WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has rebranded his office as the “Secretary of War,” is facing a firestorm of domestic criticism and a viral “Fire Hegseth” petition as U.S. casualties in the conflict with Iran continue to climb.
The petition, which has rapidly gained signatures across major digital platforms, accuses Hegseth of “politicizing the Pentagon” and placing American service members in unnecessary peril. The movement reached a fever pitch this week following the confirmation that at least 13 U.S. troops have died since the outbreak of hostilities with Tehran—a conflict critics argue violates President Trump’s original campaign promise to reduce American involvement in foreign wars.
A Flashpoint in the Iran Conflict
The groundswell against Hegseth is inextricably linked to Operation Epic Fury, the administration’s air and naval campaign against Iranian targets. While Hegseth recently told reporters the U.S. is “decimating” Iran’s military capabilities, the human cost at home has fueled the opposition.
The deaths include:
- Six Army reservists killed in a retaliatory Iranian drone strike on a U.S. base in Kuwait.
- Six U.S. Airmen killed in a KC-135 refueling tanker crash over western Iraq, which Hegseth characterized as the “chaos of war.”
“He has the blood of thirteen Americans on his hands,” said Rep. Pat Ryan (D-NY), a former Army intelligence officer, in a video circulated by MeidasTouch. Ryan, who has emerged as one of Hegseth’s most vocal critics, described the Secretary as “deranged,” claiming his rhetoric has become increasingly desperate as the conflict escalates.
The ‘Signalgate’ and Venezuela Shadow
The petition against Hegseth does not stop at the Iran war. It outlines a broader “timeline of failure,” citing several controversial operations during his tenure:
- Operation Absolute Resolve: The January 3, 2026, raid in Caracas where U.S. Special Forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. While Hegseth touted the mission as a “spectacular” success, international legal experts and NATO allies have questioned its legality, labeling it a “precedent-setting” abduction.
- The ‘Signalgate’ Row: Allegations regarding the mishandling of encrypted communications and the politicization of military intelligence.
- Domestic Troop Deployment: Concerns over Hegseth’s role in authorizing the use of active-duty military personnel for domestic law enforcement and border operations.
Diplomatic Isolation
The “Fire Hegseth” movement also highlights the growing rift between the U.S. and its traditional allies. President Trump’s call for NATO nations to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz was recently rebuffed by the U.K., Spain, and Japan. Critics argue Hegseth’s “no quarter” rhetoric—a term legally synonymous with refusing to take prisoners—has alienated partners and emboldened adversaries.
“Hegseth’s statement is a warped way of looking at the world,” said CNN’s Jake Tapper, responding to the Secretary’s claims that the press emphasizes casualties only to damage the President’s image.
What’s Next
As the petition continues to circulate, calling for signatories to provide contact information to join a formal lobbying effort, the White House has remained steadfast. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt doubled down on Hegseth’s leadership, accusing the media and “bad-faith actors” of attempting to undermine military morale during a time of war.
However, with 140 U.S. service members reportedly injured and a lack of a clear exit strategy in the Middle East, the political pressure on the former Fox & Friends host turned Pentagon chief is unlikely to dissipate.
