The New York Times has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, warning that depleted U.S. weapons and ammunition stockpiles following the war with Iran, weakened alliances, a reduced military presence in the Pacific, and the politicization of the military have left the United States and the West more vulnerable to their rivals.
In a report, the American newspaper wrote that the policies of Trump and Hegseth, ranging from severe ammunition shortages caused by the war with Iran to a reduced U.S. naval presence in the Pacific and the replacement of senior military commanders based on personal loyalty, have placed U.S. national security in its most dangerous position since the end of the Cold War.
The New York Times said that continuing these policies would further weaken Western alliances and embolden U.S. rivals.
Writing about Trump’s second presidency and the actions of his cabinet members, particularly Hegseth, the newspaper said, “It is difficult to comprehend how much President Trump has damaged U.S. national security. He has left America more vulnerable than during even the darkest days of the Cold War.”
The newspaper’s harsh criticism of Hegseth, however, is not simply part of a political or media campaign against the Trump administration.
The term “wrecking ball for national security” refers to the broad changes that, if allowed to continue, could weaken U.S. military power, the administrative and professional cohesion of the armed forces, and the country’s international credibility at the same time.