Pete Hegseth Full-Blown Tantrums and Meltdown

There is credible reporting that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has recently displayed erratic behavior, including what sources describe as “full-blown tantrums” and a “manic quality” in his interactions with staff. According to insider accounts published on September 29, 2025, these episodes have included lashing out at staff when challenged, pacing during meetings, and a visibly distracted demeanor, particularly since the recent death of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk. Staffers allege that Hegseth has become more preoccupied with his personal security and has fired Pentagon officials over media leaks, further fueling perceptions of instability.

Staff Allegations and “Warrior” Persona

Multiple insiders told RadarOnline that Hegseth's temper and behavior are not isolated incidents and that he takes challenges from staff personally, responding with outbursts. Recent months have seen Hegseth pushing for controversial changes, such as renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, and focusing heavily on “warrior ethos” messaging. Staffers claimed these moves reflect his desire to cement a “warrior” image, but recent events have reportedly left him “spooked” and “rattled,” undermining that persona and intensifying his outbursts.

Broader Controversy and Context

Other sources in government and media have noted general confusion and concern over Hegseth’s leadership and the unusual scale of top-brass meetings he has called, which some see as attempts to reinforce his authority despite internal dissent. Long-standing allegations regarding Hegseth’s temperament and professional conduct have followed him from his prior roles, and criticism has surfaced within military and political circles about the disruption and expense of his recent actions.

Conclusion

In summary, verified insider reports and multiple news outlets confirm that Hegseth’s tenure as Secretary of Defense has been marked by repeated episodes of unusual, emotional behavior and tension with staff, lending credibility to recent claims about his so-called tantrums and instability behind the scenes.

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Meanwhile, As of late September 2025, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is embroiled in several controversies involving "full-blown meltdowns" at the Pentagon

. This includes public outbursts and reports of erratic behavior, alongside actions that critics say threaten national security. 

Erratic behavior and public outbursts

• Media attacks: During a June 2025 press conference, Hegseth lashed out at journalists, particularly Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin, for questioning the effectiveness of U.S. airstrikes on Iran. He called Griffin "the worst" and claimed media outlets were misrepresenting the facts, though critics described his conduct as a "meltdown".
• Congressional hearing: In June, Hegseth was also reported to have had a heated outburst at a congressional hearing regarding the LA riots, shouting at lawmakers.
• "Manic" behavior: According to reports in late September 2025, Pentagon aides anonymously described Hegseth's behavior as increasingly "manic," citing his pacing, fidgeting, and obsession with his personal security. 

Controversies surrounding decision-making

• Leak investigations: In April 2025, three of Hegseth's senior advisers were ousted amid a Pentagon leak probe, while his former spokesman, John Ullyot, resigned and publicly called the situation a "full-blown meltdown".
• Mismanaging classified information: Hegseth has been repeatedly accused of mishandling classified information. In March 2025, he accidentally included a journalist in a Signal chat where details of a planned military strike were discussed. He later shared similar information with his wife, brother, and lawyer in a separate unsecure chat.
• Mandatory generals' meeting: In late September 2025, Hegseth ordered hundreds of generals and admirals from around the world to attend a rare, mandatory meeting at a U.S. Marine Corps base in Virginia. Military leaders expressed confusion over the unprecedented meeting, with some speculating it could be a "pep rally" or a "purge" of senior officers.
• Pentagon press restrictions: In September 2025, Hegseth's new rules significantly restricted press access inside the Pentagon. Journalists are now required to sign an agreement limiting the release of even unclassified information.
• Restoring "warrior ethos": Hegseth has dismissed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in favor of his "warrior ethos," raising concerns within the military. 

Political fallout and risks

• Resignation calls: Following the leaks, multiple Democratic senators and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called for Hegseth's resignation or firing.
• National security concerns: Critics argue that Hegseth's mismanagement and erratic behavior pose a risk to national security. The Signal leak in particular sparked concern about the handling of sensitive information.
• Uncertain future: Despite repeated denials from the White House, NPR reported in April that the administration had begun the process of looking for Hegseth's replacement. 
• Meanwhile, Here's my Photo of the Day
  
  
  
  Finally, Happy Yom Kippur to All My Jewish Friends here at THD and Readers All over the World .

  

  
  
  

  Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish year, a day of atonement and repentance observed through a 25-hour fast, intense prayer, and introspection to ask for forgiveness for past sins and affirm one's commitment to a righteous life. It marks the end of the High Holy Days, the period of the Days of Awe, and is celebrated with synagogue services, wearing white to symbolize purity, and a communal breaking of the fast with family and friends after the closing shofar blast. 

  Why it is celebrated:

  • Atonement: 

    It's a day to atone for sins committed over the past year, seeking forgiveness from God and making amends with others. 
  • Divine Judgment: 

    It is believed that on this day, God decides the fate of every person for the coming year. 
  • Spiritual Reflection: 

    Yom Kippur provides an opportunity to disconnect from daily routines and focus on spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with God. 
  • Humility and Redemption: 

    The holiday encourages humility, self-reflection, and a commitment to living a holy life, offering a chance for personal redemption. 

  How it is celebrated:

  • Fasting: 

    A 25-hour fast from food and drink is observed to afflict the soul and to focus on spiritual matters. 
  • Synagogue Services: 

    The day involves several special synagogue services, with the Kol Nidrei prayer on the eve being a powerful and central ritual. 
  • Wearing White: 

    Many people wear white clothing to symbolize purity and to resemble angels, a tradition that highlights the spiritual nature of the day. 
  • Acts of Charity: 

    Giving to charity is an important practice during the days leading up to and on Yom Kippur. 
  • Breaking the Fast: 

    At the end of the day, the fast is broken with a communal meal, a celebratory gathering of family and friends after the intense spiritual observance. 
  • Shofar: 

    The holiday concludes with the sounding of the shofar, a ram's horn, which signals the end of the fast and the closing of the heavenly gates, marking the sealing of one's fate for the year. 

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  Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish year, a day of atonement and repentance observed through a 25-hour fast, intense prayer, and introspection to ask for forgiveness for past sins and affirm one's commitment to a righteous life. It marks the end of the High Holy Days, the period of the Days of Awe, and is celebrated with synagogue services, wearing white to symbolize purity, and a communal breaking of the fast with family and friends after the closing shofar blast.