Hegseth Accused of Body-Shaming Canadian Cadet Program
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is facing accusations of mocking children after reposting a photo of a youth cadet program in Canada with a caption critics say was meant to ridicule the participants' appearance.
Hegseth shared the image, which shows an instructor presenting a medal to a young cadet at the Vernon Cadet Training Center in British Columbia, on Monday night. He captioned the post with a Canadian flag emoji and the phrase "(this is real)," a framing widely read as mockery of the people pictured.
A Youth Program, Not a Military Unit
The Canadian Cadet Program serves participants ages 12 to 18 and focuses on leadership, citizenship and community service rather than military service; cadets are not considered members of the armed forces. That distinction fueled much of the backlash, with critics arguing that a sitting defense chief had singled out teenagers for public ridicule. This is not Hegseth's first brush with controversy over his public remarks, and it follows months of scrutiny over his comments on troops' physical appearance and fitness standards.
Democratic congressional candidate Fred Wellman was among the first to respond, writing, "You're mocking kids. This is a junior cadet program. What a pathetic small man you are."
Canadian veteran Danny Oregan echoed that criticism, writing, "Wow. The Secretary of Defense is body shaming cadet groups... Don't be a Pete." The remarks quickly circulated across social media, with screenshots of Hegseth's post shared alongside the criticism.
Criticism From Across the Political Spectrum
The backlash was not confined to Hegseth's usual critics. Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger condemned the post as well, arguing that mocking a youth cadet program crossed a clear line regardless of politics, since the participants pictured are minors rather than active-duty service members.
Philosophy professor Amy Coplan, who frequently comments on political rhetoric online, asked pointedly why the secretary was focused on insulting Canadian teenagers rather than "our ever-deteriorating situation in Iran." Canadian media outlets, including coverage that spread quickly across the country, framed the post as an example of the Trump administration's broader pattern of provocations toward its northern neighbor.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney weighed in as well, calling the post "beneath their office" and describing the Trump administration's broader approach to Canada as "not constructive." The comment marks the latest flashpoint in a relationship already strained by tense exchanges with Ottawa over trade and sovereignty in recent months.
Pentagon Offers Little Explanation
Asked for comment, Department of War deputy press secretary Jacob Bliss offered only a brief response: "The X post speaks for itself." Hegseth himself has not addressed the criticism directly.
The controversy lands amid what several outlets have described as an exodus of senior Pentagon leadership, following the recent resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll amid reported tensions with Hegseth. Hegseth has also drawn scrutiny in recent weeks for remarks about military fitness standards, telling commanders at Quantico that it was "completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals," comments that drew their own wave of criticism from television commentators and retired officers alike.
Whether the cadet post draws any formal response from Ottawa or the Pentagon beyond Bliss' statement remains to be seen, but the episode has already become a flashpoint in an increasingly public rift between the two allies. For a youth program built around volunteer instructors and teenage participants, the sudden national attention marks an unusual and unwelcome spotlight, one that organizers likely never anticipated when the photo was first shared.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.