Pentagon Report Accuses Hegseth of Willfully Endangering Civilians by Cutting Harm Mitigation
A scathing internal report by the Department of War’s Inspector General reveals that under War Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon failed to implement any required civilian harm mitigation measures by the end of fiscal year 2025. The analysis highlights severe cuts to staffing and funding for the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), resulting in the discontinuation of critical data tracking platforms and the dismantling of the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence. Consequently, the U.S. military lacks adequate mechanisms to verify or protect civilians in conflict zones, such as during ongoing operations in Iran. While the report cites chronic failures to meet 133 implementing actions, former officials like Wes Bryant criticize it as a whitewash that understates the deliberate evisceration of these protections. Democratic lawmakers argue these decisions jeopardize national security and violate legal mandates, leading to wasted munitions and propaganda victories for adversaries. The report underscores a systemic crisis within the Trump Administration’s defense strategy, prioritizing cost-cutting over civilian safety and operational accountability.
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