US Defense Secretary Criticized for Mocking Canadian Cadets' Appearance
Theo Richard Luscombe (The Guardian)
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth drew widespread criticism after mocking the appearance of two people in Canadian uniforms, who turned out to be cadets, not regular soldiers. Canadian leaders and US veterans condemned the post as disrespectful and unbecoming of his office.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing intense criticism from both sides of the US-Canada border after posting on X an image aimed at mocking the Canadian armed forces amid escalating trade tensions.
The image, posted Monday evening, showed two people in uniforms with the Canadian flag and the short caption “this is reality.” However, according to media investigations, the photo was copied from the Instagram account of the Vernon Cadet Training Centre in British Columbia. The center organizes July summer camps for teenagers to learn leadership skills on a military base.
Critics pointed out that those in the photo are not members of Canada's frontline military. The person Hegseth intended to mock for their appearance could be a volunteer instructor, while the girl receiving a medal is just a teenager no older than 18.
The post was immediately condemned by Canadian and US officials. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the act “beneath the office” of the US Defense Secretary. Earlier, in remarks to reporters on Tuesday, Carney urged Washington to “get serious” in efforts to de-escalate trade tensions, following President Donald Trump's move to rename Lake Ontario by executive order.
“When Americans stop making memes, stop throwing stones, stop trying to be tough and start having serious discussions, we are ready for dialogue,” Carney said.
David Eby, Premier of British Columbia, expressed a similar view: “It tells you everything you need to know about the amateurish, unfocused and bizarre leadership that Americans are enduring.”
The Canadian Cadet League (a civilian organization) accused Hegseth of online harassment. “Criticism that is contemptuous of teenagers who are working hard to better themselves and serve their communities is unacceptable,” the organization stated.
Former US Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, a former military officer, wrote on X: “They are just kids. This is a cadet program and our Secretary of Defense is mocking children.” He called the act “cowardly when you have to tear others down to feel great.”
Democratic Senator for Arizona Ruben Gallego, a former Marine, called the post “stupid” and “disrespectful.” Danny O'Regan, a former Canadian soldier, emphasized: “The Secretary of Defense is mocking the appearance of cadet groups. They are not military units. They are kids looking for adventure, challenging themselves, and aiming for service values. Don't be like Pete.”
Meanwhile, the Pentagon defended Hegseth. On Tuesday, public affairs press secretary Jacob Bliss said: “The post on X speaks for itself.”
The incident comes amid growing pressure on Hegseth. US Army Chief of Staff Dan Driscoll resigned this week, reportedly after months of internal conflicts with Hegseth. Democrats accused the Defense Secretary of “hollowing out” the military's senior ranks.
Previously, Hegseth had made controversial remarks about physique in the US military. In September 2025, he told senior commanders that “obese soldiers make people tired just looking at them,” and demanded strict action on the lack of physical fitness.
