'Dude is crawling out of skin': Insiders say Pete Hegseth is 'manic' in the Pentagon

Pentagon insiders revealed Monday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is so rattled by the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk that he seems to be "crawling out of his skin."

The Daily Mail reported on Monday, citing "Pentagon insiders" who spoke on the condition of anonymity, that Hegseth has become prone to erupting in tirades, yelling at staffers, and obsessing about details concerning his security. The report was published about two weeks after Kirk was killed while giving a speech at a Utah university campus.

"There's a manic quality about him," one insider told the outlet. "Or let me rephrase, an even more manic quality, which is really saying something."

The source described Hegseth as acting visibly distracted. For instance, he was seen standing up and pacing during meetings, according to the insider.

"Dude is crawling out of his skin," said another insider.

The insiders said Hegseth's behavior could help explain some abrupt decisions the Defense Department has made in recent weeks. For instance, Hegseth ordered hundreds of military generals to attend an impromptu meeting next week.

Hegseth has also harped on military leaders to increase the so-called "warrior ethos" within their respective departments, according to the report. Those who do not meet his expectations can expect a tongue-lashing, it adds.

"He takes things personally when challenged - like full-blown tantrums," one source said.

Read the entire report by clicking here.