U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth salutes the crowd at the 2026 International Christian Media Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S., February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Seth Herald
Newsmax personality Greg Kelly unleashed a furious attack on Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, accusing the controversial Defense secretary of reckless rhetoric that endangers military personnel.
Taking to X, Kelly declared that Hegseth should "save his 'trash talk' for his Podcast Bros." The veteran media figure went on to explain the serious consequences of what he views as irresponsible commentary from someone in Hegseth's position.
"The reason PROFESSIONAL WARRIORS avoid unnecessary TAUNTING of the Enemy: it can come back and Bite, HARD. And it’s the PILOTS who fly over enemy territory at Risk. I served with FOUR PILOTS who got shot down and TORTURED. Lose an engine (only one in the F-35, thanks a lot Lockheed Martin!)—and they’ll be the ones to answer for Pete’s Rhetoric. Let General Cain talk more."
The broadside inflamed MAGA fans.
Jake Waters wrote on X, "You know what Greg, I’m going to add you to my list of disappointments of those I once followed. Congratulations, you join the company of Tucker Carlson, Meghan Kelly, Candace Owens, Alex Jones, and others."
John Lynch wrote on X, "You are consistent. Try supporting the US for a change."
User daveacrick chided on X, "Let me tell you about Pete.....but first, let me tell you heroic I am."
The X user 100% American wrote, "Let's talk about talking smack... we get in faces not on Twitter. Work it out like men not boys."
And X user SS wrote, "You have been against Pete since the day DJT appointed him. Pete is doing great and you do great when you stay in your lane with reporting news."
Milissa Boggs clapped back, writing, "You should keep your trash talk about him to yourself. Are you jealous? I enjoy your show very much and it's only things like this that is a turn off."