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Judge Andrew Napolitano dismissed the Pentagon’s so-called investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as little more than political theater. The probe centers on Hegseth’s use of a private messaging app for government business, but Napolitano argued it’s just an “evaluation” with no real teeth. He stressed that inspectors general can’t file criminal charges, leaving the matter to bureaucratic finger-wagging rather than serious consequences.
The Defense Department’s watchdog claims Hegseth mishandled secure communications, but Napolitano called the process a “glorified audit.” He explained that even if wrongdoing were found, the worst outcome would be a critical report gathering dust on a shelf. The FBI and Justice Department already refused to pursue charges, signaling the issue lacks legal merit. This fuels conservative claims of a “deep state” targeting Trump allies.
Napolitano highlighted the investigation’s shaky foundation, noting inspectors general operate independently but can’t impose penalties. Any findings would rely on public backlash to matter—a long shot given Hegseth’s strong support among military families. The judge compared it to past partisan attacks, where Democrats weaponized bureaucracy to smear Republican leaders.
Critics argue Hegseth’s use of Signal app showed poor judgment, but conservatives counter that liberals hyperventilate over procedural nitpicks. Napolitano reminded viewers that government officials often use encrypted tools to leak info responsibly, citing Reagan-era precedents. Hegseth’s team insists he followed all protocols, dismissing the probe as a witch hunt before the 2026 midterms.
The inspector general’s report could accuse Hegseth of negligence, but Napolitano doubts it’ll stick. He warned that stretching “espionage” definitions to fit this case would cheapen real national security threats. Meanwhile, grassroots Republicans rally behind Hegseth, framing the investigation as proof he’s effectively draining the swamp.
Hegseth’s defenders note his focus on boosting military readiness irks establishment elites. They say this probe aims to distract from his successes: curbing wasteful spending, modernizing equipment, and restoring troop morale after the Biden years. Napolitano praised Hegseth for prioritizing results over DC red tape.
The White House stayed silent, but Trump allies call the investigation “laughable.” They point to Napolitano’s analysis as proof the system resists conservative reformers. With the IG’s findings due by summer, expect fireworks—but no real fallout for a secretary beloved by the rank-and-file.
In the end, this drama highlights Washington’s obsession with gotcha politics. Conservatives see it as another desperate attempt to block America First policies. As Napolitano said, “Real leaders fix problems. Bureaucrats write reports.” Hegseth’s team vows to stay focused on defending the nation, not D.C. power games.
