Pete Hegseth criticized for body-shaming Canadian cadets: ‘Literally they’re kids’

• 01US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth posted a photo on X with the caption "this is real," which critics noted was reproduced from an Instagram post by the Vernon Cadet Training Centre in British Columbia.
• 02The photo featured two individuals in uniform associated with a summer camp for teenagers at a Canadian military base, not frontline Canadian armed forces personnel.
• 03Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described Hegseth's post as "beneath the office" of the secretary of defense and stated it was time for Washington to "start being serious" about de-escalating trade tensions.
• 04British Columbia Premier David Eby criticized the leadership of the US administration, calling it "amateur-hour, distracted, bizarre leadership."
• 05The civilian Army Cadet League of Canada issued a statement accusing Hegseth of online harassment and stating that directing derogatory commentary toward youth is unacceptable.
• 06Former US Congressman Adam Kinzinger posted on X that Hegseth was "making fun of children" and labeled MAGA supporters as "betas who have to punch down to feel big."
• 07Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego and Canadian veteran Danny O’Regan called the post "stupid," "disrespectful," and an example of body shaming.
• 08Pentagon deputy press secretary Jacob Bliss defended Hegseth on Tuesday, stating, "The X post speaks for itself."
• 09US Army Chief Dan Driscoll resigned reportedly after months of internal clashes with Hegseth, while Democrats accused the secretary of "hollowing out" the military’s senior ranks.
• 10In a previous incident last year, Hegseth told senior commanders that "fat troops are tiring to look at" and ordered a crackdown on physical fitness within the military.

These words or phrases carry political, emotional, or ideological loading in the original article. Use Link Launderer to see them highlighted in context.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faced widespread condemnation after posting a mocked-up image of teen cadets from a Canadian youth program, which critics identified as body shaming rather than a depiction of military forces. Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, and US politicians rejected the post, linking it to broader trade tensions and criticizing the administration's demeanor. Simultaneously, Hegseth’s position has weakened following the resignation of Army Chief Dan Driscoll and ongoing criticism regarding his leadership style and past comments on military physical fitness.