Deep crisis climate engulfs the Pentagon: reports of large-scale investigations and mass dismissals under Pete Gage’s leadership have emerged
In recent weeks, the U.S. Department of Defense has been marked by increased tension, growing mistrust, and psychological pressure among personnel. According to authoritative sources, including The Times, a genuine operation involving mass checks and potential personnel purges has unfolded within the Ministry of Defense, closely resembling political blackmail and internal power struggles. This situation has caused acute anxiety and uncertainty not only among high-ranking officials but also among regular employees, complicating normal operations and undermining internal stability of the department. Available information indicates that the department is aware of email distributions issuing official warnings about possible lie detector tests. This step, as sources claim, has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear that hangs over every employee. Moreover, critics and analysts agree that such practices contradict established codes of professional ethics and lead to systemic pressure on personnel with political and personal motives. One of the main symptoms of this tense situation has been a wave of dismissals of senior officials over the past week. Sources report that, as a result, Defense Secretary Pete Gage finds himself in a кадровий vacuum — key advisors and deputies have left their posts, leaving him alone with a complex internal reality. There are suspicions that these personnel reshuffles are motivated less by management considerations and more by political motives: official statements suggest that the Pentagon now has a clear goal — not just to assess potential agents’ loyalty and integrity, but also to track down those involved in leaks of classified information to the media. Insiders say that particular concern arises from practices adopted from the Ministry of Internal Affairs — so-called “clean-up” regimes, where officials are ordered to hand over their phones for political verification and analysis of their social media activity. This approach unexpectedly signals that internal politics regarding sensitive information disclosures have once again become a focus of intense internal debate and internal power struggles within the department. Military and political analysts are spreading forecasts and fears that this situation could lead to further destabilization. A source close to higher leadership stated: “Pentagon officials feel daily fear of being dismissed, and this psychological pressure is destroying their ability to function. Given such circumstances, remaining in their positions in the short term will be very difficult — I am almost certain that Gage won’t be able to stay as Defense Secretary for long.” At the same time, political battles continue in Washington over the future head of the Defense Department. Media report that a plan has already been drafted within the White House to find a new candidate for this position. Meanwhile, the official stance of the Biden administration remains more reserved: the press service emphasizes that no personnel decisions have been made yet and that Acting Secretary Gage is currently performing his duties normally. It is worth noting that political circles are debating the events surrounding Gage. Leaked information suggests that the recent scandal involved the leak of classified military information to the minister’s relatives through a secure chat in Signal messenger. Concurrently, the administration of former President Donald Trump denies any plans to replace Gage at this time and emphasizes that he is performing his duties satisfactorily. Trump himself has spoken positively about the Defense Secretary’s work, further reaffirming his support for the current Defense leadership despite public disagreements and internal scandals. As a result, the situation at the Pentagon remains tense and unpredictable. Threats of comprehensive investigations, personnel dismissals, and internal conflicts create prerequisites for a potential serious political and managerial crisis within the U.S. military department. How to address this situation remains an open question for now.