‘Why don’t you tell me’: Pete Hegseth went against Trump by pausing shipments to Ukraine and the president was none the wiser

You’d think the President would have at least a semblance of a clue as to what’s going on in his own government but that’s clearly asking too much of Donald Trump. This week Trump was caught totally off guard by news of what his Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had done without informing him.

According to CNN, Hegseth made the decision to pause weapon shipments to Ukraine despite the fact that Trump had planned to continue providing support for the war-torn country. The President confirmed on Tuesday that he was not responsible for the decision.

This is just embarrassing for Trump and Hegseth

The moment that the President learned of the decision has been shared online and he does not look happy about being out of the loop. Speaking to reporters in the White House Trump was asked about the pause in weapons shipments and whether he approved it. Apparently not understanding the question he claimed that the U.S. was providing defensive weapons. When pressed on who authorized the pause he answered with a subtle irritated tone, “I don’t know why don’t you tell me?”

On X people mocked the clown show currently going on in the White House calling the current administration “terrifyingly stupid.” Others speculated that someone was colluding with the Russian government “Who’s running U.S. defense policy? Trump… or the Kremlin?”

Evidently Trump’s own cabinet seems to be undermining his authority which begs the question: who’s really in charge? After learning of the pause the President ordered Hegseth to restart some shipments again meanwhile White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt danced around the question of whether Hegseth sought approval before issuing the pause. Frankly the complete lack of communication between these guys is just embarrassing.

This is a recurring issue

Shockingly this isn’t even the first time Hegseth has done this exact thing. Back in February the Secretary of Defense stopped weapons being transported to Ukraine and the decision was quickly reversed. Making the same mistake twice is certainly a bit fishy. And let’s not forget the fact Hegseth leaked military operations by using insecure communication methods.

It makes you wonder how this guy still has a job. His constant undermining of the President coupled with a general incompetence that would put the three stooges to shame would certainly be grounds for dismissal and many online are wondering why Trump hasn’t gotten rid of him yet. Ironic considering how Hegseth so passionately called out those trying to undermine the President last month.

It seems Pete Hegseth is safe for now although no doubt the President will be keeping him on a tighter leash going forward. Like a cat it seems the Defense Secretary has nine lives, it’s unclear how many he’s already used up by another embarrassing slip-up like this would hopefully be the final nail in his coffin.