US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has chastised Britain once again for its failure to support America's offensive in Iran.

In a damning written statement to Congress, Mr Hegseth said allies' refusal to join in was "unconscionable" - and warned: "We will remember."

He then threatened "consequences" would follow for Nato members which "do not step up".

Mr Hegseth said Nato had become "beset by free-riding" in the wake of the Cold War, and called on allies to "step up and make good on their commitments to our collective defence".

https://www.gbnews.com/politics/us/pete-hegseth-keir-starmer-iran-war

You repeatedly ridicule and scorn and belittle your allies, then get all surprised and huffy when they don't want to support your war-of-choice aggression? Hegseth's (and his boss's) incompetence is matched only by his stupidity.

Why is Hegseth requesting support from other nations? Donald Trump who's an expert of stopping wars stated emphatically that the Worlds most powerful military force known to man completely devastated Iran and there will be no retaliation as Iran is finished

25 minutes ago, 3NUMBAS said:

and warned: "We will remember."

Correct. UK probably remembers the US being late for two world wars.

Not only turn up late but then claim it was 'them wot won it' 😋

with no mention of the huge price paid by Russia and China.

8 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

Correct. UK probably remembers the US being late for two world wars.

And dragging the UK into many that the US created!

6 minutes ago, johng said:

Not only turn up late but then claim it was 'them wot won it' 😋

with no mention of the huge price paid by Russia and China.

And the rest of the non-US allies!

Hegseth would've been to busy with his bible studies to know anything about the US in combat.

18 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

And the rest of the non-US allies!

Yes lots played a role but Russia and China paid the biggest price in terms of lives lost.

2 minutes ago, johng said:

Yes lots played a role but Russia and China paid the biggest price in terms of lives lost.

True....I once read that Poland lost the most lives as a percentage of population in ww2....regardless, what a waste....

What a fool he is. Starmer standing up to Trump and Hegseth just might save his job!

3 hours ago, JTPR1 said:

You repeatedly ridicule and scorn and belittle your allies, then get all surprised and huffy when they don't want to support your war-of-choice aggression? Hegseth's (and his boss's) incompetence is matched only by his stupidity.

No one ever ridicules, scorns and belittles Trump and or the US,

Hegseth, you're thicker than a Greek outhouse built for Cretians, or should I say cretins in your case.

NATO is an alliance based on defence as in when Bin Laden took a flying leap at New York, it's not an alliance for attacking states when involved in negotiations.

Just own up you completely messed up the whole ' project'. The Gulf is closed with all the dire consequences for the world economy and the hard men are in charge in Iran

11 hours ago, Rams86 said:

Hegseth would've been to busy with his bible studies to know anything about the US in combat.

Perhaps busier with the communion wine.

8 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

No one ever ridicules, scorns and belittles Trump and or the US,

Well not without good reason they don’t.

It's taco time again:

Hegseth’s sudden Poland troops U-turn ‘blindsided’ Pentagon staff

The Pentagon unexpectedly reversed a decision to send 4,000 US troops to Poland, reportedly blindsiding European allies and US officials.

This U-turn follows the recent withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, highlighting a widening rift between Donald Trump and Europe concerning the Iran war.

US officials expressed surprise, with one stating they "had no idea it was coming," despite the Pentagon claiming it was a "comprehensive, multilayered process."

Hegseth’s sudden Poland troops U-turn ‘blindsided’ Pentagon staff

The UK is busy running the Ukraine project and doing a bang up job of destroying Russian energy infrastructure. Or do people believe that Ukraine, a northern hemisphere equivalent of sub Saharan Africa is managing things on their own?

The Americans should thank the Brits for their efforts on that front, but nay, they berate England at every turn.

Republican Senator torches Hegseth as Pentagon feud explodes

A fierce public attack from Republican Senator Thom Tillis has intensified pressure on Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, with former military and intelligence figures now openly calling for his removal.

The extraordinary backlash erupted after Tillis accused Hegseth of reckless leadership, damaging alliances and undermining senior military officers through what he described as impulsive and politically driven decisions inside the Pentagon.

“Deadly at Worst”: GOP Revolt Breaks Into Public

In a blistering statement posted online, Tillis condemned plans to reduce America’s military posture in Europe and accused Hegseth’s inner circle of targeting respected commanders for political reasons.

The senator reserved particular anger for reported efforts to downgrade U.S. Army Europe-Africa from a four-star to a three-star command — a move critics say would sideline General Chris Donahue, one of the military’s most decorated combat leaders.

Tillis described Donahue as “one of our nation’s finest warfighters” and blasted Hegseth’s advisers as “not qualified to carry Donahue’s bag”.

Calls for Removal Grow Louder

The criticism quickly spread beyond Capitol Hill. Former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger responded by reminding Tillis that he had voted to confirm Hegseth in the first place before urging him to push for the defence secretary’s removal.

Former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos also joined the criticism, while former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace warned that sidelining senior commanders would ultimately benefit America’s adversaries.

The coordinated criticism marks one of the most serious public ruptures yet between Trump-aligned political leadership and parts of the traditional Republican national security establishment.

Europe Strategy Sparks Alarm

At the centre of the dispute is growing concern that the Pentagon is weakening long-standing US military commitments in Europe at a time of heightened global instability.

Critics argue reducing command structures and alienating experienced generals risks sending the wrong signal to both NATO allies and rival powers including Russia and China.

For Hegseth, the controversy deepens questions over whether ideological loyalty is beginning to outweigh military expertise inside the Trump administration’s defence strategy.

For Republicans already uneasy about internal divisions over foreign policy, the fight is rapidly becoming more than a personnel dispute. It is turning into a battle over who controls America’s military direction during an increasingly volatile geopolitical moment.

GOP senator's criticism of 'deadly' DOD move prompts calls for Hegseth's removal

Hesketh....so all powerful now but soon to be

consigned to the dustbin of history .

Rumsfelt ....who he ?????

59 minutes ago, Jim Blue said:

Hesketh....so all powerful now but soon to be

consigned to the dustbin of history .

Rumsfelt ....who he ?????

Its notable that Hegseth is now the second longest serving Defense Secretary under President Trump.

With the exception of Austin, Defense Secretaries have not lasted long. Under Obama, I suppose they are seen as competant technocrats. Under Trump, the Department has not had much in the way of steady leadership. Hegseth is odds on for the sack. And he can't exactly go back to his old job as he managed the piss off the entire media.

Careful Pete' Sir Keir' will whip out a strongly worded letter and ban you from the UK he has already dropped and silenced the Turbans with a cease and desist order 🤔

This human embarrassment and coward should not be lecturing anyone. He doesn't have the gravitas for that. The UK has a long, proud history of battle and made huge sacrifices to help win WWII. All Pete has sacrificed is a pitcher of beer now and then. He is a disgrace.

Hegseth was not a combat soldier. His work in Iraq was a desk jockey doing civil affairs aka PR. He took newsmedia for staged interviews. He did not participate in any combat interactions. his limited time in Afghanistan was at the training school.  The USA  gives commendations and medals for tying ones shoes properly. The Bronze stars he received were for meritorious achievement. They do not include the V which is for Valor, that  people who are in high risk situations face. It's great that he served, but please don't hold him out to be a hero, because he is not. The kid who was blown up by an IED while on patrol, or the aircrew that crashed while on a mission, or retrieved personnel from the field under fire are the heros. The person who serviced their equipment under difficult conditions is a hero. The man who was often pickled and enjoying a comfortable life with warm meals at the officer's mess and who had a nice bed and clean sheets to sleep in  had it easy compared to the field personnel.

 

Hegseth is inept and a poor cabinet secretary. Trump oftentimes will confuse a polished presentation with one of substance, and Hegseth embarrassed himself and his nation deeply with his ridiculous speech about being overly aggressive, and not following any aspect of the Geneva Convention, while pursuing the enemy. The military does not pay him any regard other than the fact that they are forced to obey the chain of command. My guess is that the man is an absolute laughing stock throughout all ranks and files, we witnessed the somber tone on the faces of the high ranking officers, Admirals and Generals, and the rather astonishing lack of applause for either Petie or Donnie, during the recent chest thumping "ceremony".

There's a few lessons to be ascertained from Trump and Netanyahu's needless war.

One is that "allies" are not obliged to follow a clown who starts trouble and expects to be bailed out by the innocent and rational. There's no reason the Brits or anyone else should have to pay for Trump's idiocy, nor have to deal with his ever-changing mood.

The second is that $ spent on defense is no indication of usefulness and commitment. The US spends a lot (with the new budget the US would be spending more than the net 44 nations combined), but that includes wild cost overruns and obsolete weaponry, funded as a gift to the MIC. Iran has used $30K drones to destroy a $1.3 billion THAAD system in Qatar. Efficiency tops profligacy done for the sake of profligacy.

15 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

This human embarrassment and coward should not be lecturing anyone. He doesn't have the gravitas for that. The UK has a long, proud history of battle and made huge sacrifices to help win WWII. All Pete has sacrificed is a pitcher of beer now and then. He is a disgrace.

Hegseth was not a combat soldier. His work in Iraq was a desk jockey doing civil affairs aka PR. He took newsmedia for staged interviews. He did not participate in any combat interactions. his limited time in Afghanistan was at the training school.  The USA  gives commendations and medals for tying ones shoes properly. The Bronze stars he received were for meritorious achievement. They do not include the V which is for Valor, that  people who are in high risk situations face. It's great that he served, but please don't hold him out to be a hero, because he is not. The kid who was blown up by an IED while on patrol, or the aircrew that crashed while on a mission, or retrieved personnel from the field under fire are the heros. The person who serviced their equipment under difficult conditions is a hero. The man who was often pickled and enjoying a comfortable life with warm meals at the officer's mess and who had a nice bed and clean sheets to sleep in  had it easy compared to the field personnel.

 

Hegseth is inept and a poor cabinet secretary. Trump oftentimes will confuse a polished presentation with one of substance, and Hegseth embarrassed himself and his nation deeply with his ridiculous speech about being overly aggressive, and not following any aspect of the Geneva Convention, while pursuing the enemy. The military does not pay him any regard other than the fact that they are forced to obey the chain of command. My guess is that the man is an absolute laughing stock throughout all ranks and files, we witnessed the somber tone on the faces of the high ranking officers, Admirals and Generals, and the rather astonishing lack of applause for either Petie or Donnie, during the recent chest thumping "ceremony".

You're not wrong about Hegseth, but UK is no longer a fighting force. It's legendary Navy only that ... legend.

62 ships from tugs to carriers. Only two carriers. Well under 200k active forces.

All you former SAS feel free to correct the record

I just read the article about the Thai gangs recruiting "stupid British youth" as drug mules.

What about the country that elected the snake oil salesman con man as president twice - in the words of that great American, Forrest Gump, "stupid is, stupid does".

Then, there is the current Trump administration - the band of clowns, alcoholics and drug addicts - the ship of ignorant arrogant fools.

If you want to declare economic war on the world - global tariffs and halting critically important energy, fertilizer and medications supplies (with the support of Zionist terrorists) - how can you expect the world to respect you, Mr Hegseth?

3 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

This human embarrassment and coward should not be lecturing anyone. He doesn't have the gravitas for that. The UK has a long, proud history of battle and made huge sacrifices to help win WWII. All Pete has sacrificed is a pitcher of beer now and then. He is a disgrace.

Hegseth was not a combat soldier. His work in Iraq was a desk jockey doing civil affairs aka PR. He took newsmedia for staged interviews. He did not participate in any combat interactions. his limited time in Afghanistan was at the training school.  The USA  gives commendations and medals for tying ones shoes properly. The Bronze stars he received were for meritorious achievement. They do not include the V which is for Valor, that  people who are in high risk situations face. It's great that he served, but please don't hold him out to be a hero, because he is not. The kid who was blown up by an IED while on patrol, or the aircrew that crashed while on a mission, or retrieved personnel from the field under fire are the heros. The person who serviced their equipment under difficult conditions is a hero. The man who was often pickled and enjoying a comfortable life with warm meals at the officer's mess and who had a nice bed and clean sheets to sleep in  had it easy compared to the field personnel.

 

Hegseth is inept and a poor cabinet secretary. Trump oftentimes will confuse a polished presentation with one of substance, and Hegseth embarrassed himself and his nation deeply with his ridiculous speech about being overly aggressive, and not following any aspect of the Geneva Convention, while pursuing the enemy. The military does not pay him any regard other than the fact that they are forced to obey the chain of command. My guess is that the man is an absolute laughing stock throughout all ranks and files, we witnessed the somber tone on the faces of the high ranking officers, Admirals and Generals, and the rather astonishing lack of applause for either Petie or Donnie, during the recent chest thumping "ceremony".

What a hate-filled, Trump-obsessed know-nothing you are.

On 5/14/2026 at 6:02 PM, johng said:

Not only turn up late but then claim it was 'them wot won it' 😋

with no mention of the huge price paid by Russia and China.

Should have done what Patton wanted at the end of WWII and gone on to Moscow.

2 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

What about the country that elected the snake oil salesman con man as president twice

Actually, three times.

The UK wise not to get into a war that is committing war crimes,

and says it intends to destroy all power stations, water desalination

plants ,and bomb Iran back to the stone age...a war run by a lunatic

and a acholic.what could go wrong...

regards worgeordie

5 minutes ago, davb said:

Actually, three times.

So you concur he's a "snake oil salesman con man". I see some progress here. Hope for you yet.