Hegseth Is Really Going After Charlie Kirk's Detractors, Pentagon Probes Hundreds for Remarks on Charlie Kirk's Death

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

Hegseth Is Really Going After Charlie Kirk's Detractors
Pentagon is probing hundreds of DOD staffers over online posts after activist's murder

By Jenn Gidman withNewser.AI
Posted Oct 9, 2025 7:08 AM CDT

Pentagon Probes Hundreds for Remarks on Charlie Kirk's Death


Hegseth Is Really Going After Charlie Kirk's Detractors
Pentagon is probing hundreds of DOD staffers over online posts after activist's murder

The Pentagon has launched nearly 300 investigations into Defense Department personnel—including service members, civilian staff, and contractors—for their online comments following the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The sweeping probe, described in internal documents and reported by the Washington Post, follows a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aimed at curbing criticism of Kirk, who was known for his strong support of President Trump.

the department argues that celebrating or mocking Kirk's death online amounts to unacceptable political activity and has disciplined several individuals so far, ranging from administrative reprimands to termination. As of late September, 128 service members had been investigated, with most of those cases still under review; 26 have so far been reprimanded, with a handful facing harsher consequences. Another 158 nonuniformed staffers have also faced scrutiny, with two dismissed.

Hegseth's directive has drawn criticism from those who say it blurs the line between military loyalty to the Constitution and political loyalty to an administration. The secretary has previously said generals who don't back Trump's agenda should resign. Such a "witch hunt" is "extremely dangerous," Southwestern Law School professor Rachel VanLandingham tells the Hill. Critics also point out what they view as hypocrisy, given Hegseth's past willingness to joke about violence against liberal figures and the administration's selective outrage about attacks, per the Post.

https://www.newser.com/story/376590/pentagon-probes-hundreds-for-remarks-on-charlie-kirks-death.html?utm_source=uol&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=rss_top

[Happy Hoosier]

1. If they are going after contractors, I could be fucked.

We'll see.

[MineralMan]

2. What is really weird is that Kirk holds no office in government.

He is just a private citizen. Some MAGAs are treating him like some sort of demi-god.

[Wifes husband]

3. These people are stupid

It is stupid to put personal, especially any potentially controversial comments, on government email.