Pete Hegseth ha criticato i cadetti canadesi per aver vergognato il loro corpo: "Sono letteralmente dei bambini"

Pete Hegseth, the U.S. secretary of defense, faced widespread criticism after posting a photo on X that was perceived as body-shaming female participants in a Canadian youth development program. The post, which included the caption “this is real,” appeared to mock the Canadian armed forces during a period of heightened trade tensions between the United States and Canada. Despite immediate backlash from both countries, the image remained online. The photograph was sourced from an Instagram post by the Vernon Cadet Training Centre in British Columbia, which hosts a summer camp for teenagers learning adult skills on a military base. The individuals depicted in the image are not active members of Canada’s frontline military, and one of the figures, likely a volunteer instructor, is estimated to be no older than 18. Critics argued that Hegseth's post was an attempt to undermine Canada’s military reputation while escalating tensions under the Trump administration’s trade policies. Canadian officials swiftly condemned the post, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling it “beneath the office” of the secretary of defense. In response to broader criticisms of U.S. actions, including Donald Trump’s attempt to rename Lake Ontario by executive order, Trudeau emphasized the need for Washington to “start being serious” about de-escalating trade disputes. He stated that meaningful dialogue could only occur once the U.S. ceased using “memes, throwing shade, and trying to be tough.” British Columbia Premier David Eby echoed these sentiments, describing the situation as indicative of “amateur-hour, distracted, bizarre leadership.” Meanwhile, the civilian Army Cadet League of Canada issued a formal statement condemning Hegseth’s remarks as “online harassment.” The organization highlighted the importance of respecting young individuals engaged in community service and self-improvement. Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, a military veteran, took to X to accuse Hegseth of undermining the dignity of cadets. He described the post as an example of “MAGA males” feeling the need to “punch down to feel big.” Similarly, Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego, a former Marine, labeled the post “stupid” and “disrespectful.” A Canadian veteran, Danny O’Regan, also criticized the post, stating that Hegseth was “body shaming cadet groups” and failing to recognize that the individuals involved were “kids looking for adventure.” The Pentagon attempted to defend Hegseth, with Deputy Press Secretary Jacob Bliss asserting that the post “speaks for itself.” However, the controversy intensified as Hegseth continued to face mounting scrutiny within the U.S. military. This includes pressure from Democrats accusing him of “hollowing out” the military’s senior ranks, following the recent resignation of Army Chief Dan Driscoll, reportedly due to prolonged conflicts with Hegseth. Meanwhile, international tensions escalated further as Iran accused the U.S. of committing a “war crime” after a missile strike reportedly targeted a wedding in southern Iran, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including a four-year-old child, and injuring dozens. The attack has raised concerns about the U.S. military’s readiness, with reports indicating a “beyond critical” shortage of missile interceptors, according to the Associated Press. NATO allies have expressed growing fears of increased vulnerability to potential Russian military threats.