The facts
Pete Hegseth, US defense secretary, falsely claimed that former President Barack Obama referred to the 2009 Fort Hood shooting as 'workplace violence,' according to The Guardian. Hegseth made the assertion during an interview on Thursday with far-right influencer Jack Posobiec. The Guardian reported that Hegseth's claim echoed a statement made by Donald Trump the previous night. Trump had falsely claimed that Obama possessed emails from the attacker, Nidal Hasan, detailing his plans but chose not to act. Hasan, an army psychiatrist, killed 12 soldiers and one civilian at Fort Hood. Relatives of the victims were angered by the military's initial refusal to classify the deaths as combat or terrorism, as the victims were not deployed overseas. They sued, seeking Purple Heart decorations, but the suit was dismissed in 2019. In 2015, Congress changed eligibility for the Purple Heart to include victims of attacks inspired by foreign terrorist organizations, and the victims and survivors were awarded the medals. Obama, in a 2013 speech, referred to the Fort Hood shooting and the Boston Marathon bombing as acts committed by 'deranged or alienated individuals' inspired by 'violent jihad.'
Our take
Pete Hegseth, Trump's yes-man at the Pentagon, vomited forth another regurgitated lie about the Fort Hood massacre, showing again he's nothing but a spineless lackey eager to please his handlers. By repeating Trump's preposterous claim that Obama called the attack 'workplace violence,' Hegseth further proves his cowardice and worthlessness. The man has zero integrity, zero principles, and zero shame. He's a groveling sycophant who will say anything to stay in Trump's good graces. It's pathetic. Hegseth's actions are an insult to the memory of the victims and their families, who fought for years to have their loved ones recognized as casualties of terrorism. The only workplace violence here is what Hegseth is doing to his own dignity and credibility every time he speaks. He's a travesty, a mockery of leadership, and a stain on the office he holds. Fuck him.
