Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces mounting pressure following the sudden departure of his press secretary, John Ullyot.
According to the Kansas City Star, Ullyot's resignation came after disagreements with Hegseth over his role in the Department of Defense, marking another significant departure in a series of high-profile exits from the Pentagon.
The resignation follows controversy surrounding Ullyot's directive to remove military online content promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This decision sparked internal debates and added to growing tensions within the department's leadership structure. The timing of his departure coincides with an ongoing investigation into unauthorized leaks of national security information, which has resulted in three senior officials being placed on administrative leave.
The Defense Department's organizational structure continues to face significant changes as Joe Kasper, Hegseth's chief of staff, prepares to transition to a different agency role. This staffing shuffle adds to the growing list of departures that have occurred under Hegseth's leadership since early 2025.
Ullyot's extensive experience in government service, including roles as National Security Council spokesperson and assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs during the Trump administration, makes his departure particularly significant. His replacement, Afghanistan War veteran Sean Parnell, has already assumed the position of Pentagon's chief spokesperson.
The recent personnel changes appear to be part of a larger pattern of leadership turnover following the removal of several senior military officers earlier in the year. This restructuring has raised concerns about continuity and stability within the department.
Ullyot, in his departing statements, offered a stark assessment of the current state of affairs at the Pentagon. He shared the following critique:
I made clear to Secretary Hegseth before the inauguration that I was not interested in being number two to anyone in public affairs. Last month, as that time approached, the secretary and I talked and could not come to an agreement on another good fit for me at DOD. So I informed him today that I will be leaving at the end of this week.
The former press secretary's most pointed criticism came in his evaluation of the current leadership:
The building is in disarray under Hegseth's leadership. The dysfunction is now a major distraction for the president — who deserves better from his senior leadership. The last month has been a full-blown meltdown at the Pentagon — and it's becoming a real problem for the administration.
The ongoing personnel changes have created uncertainty about the department's ability to maintain effective operations. Observers note that the frequent turnover in key positions could impact the Pentagon's ability to address critical national security matters.
These developments occur against the backdrop of broader challenges facing the Defense Department, including the investigation into security leaks and the implementation of new policies. The situation has drawn increased scrutiny from both within and outside the administration.
The timing of these changes raises questions about their potential impact on military readiness and national security operations. Critics argue that the leadership vacuum could affect the department's ability to respond to emerging global challenges.
John Ullyot's resignation as Pentagon press secretary marks a critical moment in Pete Hegseth's tenure as Defense Secretary. The departure follows disagreements over departmental roles and controversial decisions regarding diversity initiatives in military communications.
With key positions now vacant and an ongoing investigation into security leaks, the Defense Department faces significant challenges in maintaining operational stability and effectiveness. As Hegseth's leadership comes under increasing scrutiny, questions emerge about his ability to retain his position and restore order to the Pentagon's upper echelons.
