WASHINGTON DC – The Top Senate Democrat on Friday unleashed a scathing critique of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of “jeopardizing” Ukraine’s survival against Russia by “haphazardly” canceling vital weapons shipments, and implicitly aiding Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Even a momentary pause in vital weapons shipments to Ukraine “emboldens Putin,” Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the minority leader, told a Senate floor session. “When Putin observes disorganization and a lack of strategy, he has no incentive to negotiate.”
His remarks came after the second such incident this year. Hegseth’s recent decision to pause aid on July 1 was reportedly reversed by President Donald Trump, prompting calls for accountability and even a change in Pentagon leadership.
The pause came at a particularly vulnerable time for Ukraine, as Putin took advantage of the situation to launch record-breaking air attacks, killing dozens of Ukrainian civilians.
Speaking to Kyiv Post Friday morning, a senior Trump Administration official ruled out the idea that Hegseth was “in trouble.”
“Miscommunications happen,” the official said without offering further details.
Schumer, in his remarks, highlighted that in both instances, the White House ultimately reversed the decision, claiming Hegseth acted without informing key officials outside the Pentagon, including US Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, or even the president himself.Schumer expressed relief that Trump has committed to reinstating the aid but condemned the administration’s overall handling of the situation as “unacceptable.”
He pointed to Trump’s public response early this week when questioned about who ordered the pause, during which Trump told reporters, “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?”“This is amateur hour,” Schumer said. “What the heck is going on at the Pentagon?”
The Senator reiterated long-standing concerns from Democrats regarding Hegseth’s qualifications, recalling discussions during his nomination.
“Being a talk radio show host does not qualify one to be secretary of defense, as this incident clearly demonstrates,” Schumer asserted, presenting the recent events as further proof of Hegseth’s unsuitability for the role.
Schumer went on to reiterate that the pause in weapons shipments to Ukraine represents, “at best, a dangerous breakdown in communications and, at worst, a sign that Secretary Hegseth is more interested in helping Putin than helping Ukraine.”
He emphasized the chilling message this sends to US allies, who will undoubtedly be left questioning, “Will this happen again?” despite the president’s reversal.Schumer contended that Trump was “undercutting himself – and Hegseth is undercutting Trump – in their desire to reach a fair agreement for Ukraine.”
Schumer concluded his remarks by calling for a leadership change at the Pentagon.
“Donald Trump should appoint someone else as secretary of defense,” he said, lamenting that the concerns and arguments made against Hegseth’s appointment – that he was “incompetent, inexperienced and unreliable” – “unfortunately appear to be coming true for the defense of this country.”