Colby Hall Destroys 'Total Buffoon' Pete Hegseth on CNN: 'Why is He Still in This Position?!'

Colby Hall, the founding editor of Mediaite, criticized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on CNN, labeling him a complete buffoon and an unmitigated disaster, while also suggesting that Hegseth is performing exactly the role President Donald Trump intended.

Hall appeared on CNNs NewsNight with Abby Phillip Thursday evening as Hegseth faced scrutiny over foreign maritime strikes and questions about his qualifications to head the Defense Department. Earlier this week, lawmakers were briefed by Navy Adm. Frank Mitch Bradley regarding a September 2 strike on a suspected drug smuggling vessel near Trinidad. According to a report from The Washington Post, Hegseth allegedly ordered the killing of everyone on the boat. A second strike occurred later when two survivors remained.

Bradley denied issuing a kill them all order in private meetings, but the incident has raised bipartisan concerns over the legality of the administrations foreign maritime operations.

Phillip highlighted Halls argument that Hegseth remains in his position because he is willing to publicly claim he will eliminate threats while not staying for the follow-through. In a Mediaite op-ed, Hall described Hegseths tenure as defined by buffoonery and chaos. Hall wrote: President Donald Trump isnt troubled by Hegseths ineptitude; he thrives on it. Ratings outweigh standards, and controversy outweighs competence. Chaos isnt a side effect; its the business itself. This encapsulates the current state of the Pentagon.

On CNN, Hall also referenced Hegseths controversial use of the messaging app Signal, which was flagged in a Pentagon Inspector General report. Hegseth accidentally included a journalist in a group chat discussing Yemen bombing plans. The report stated this could have potentially compromised sensitive DOD information, endangering personnel and missions.

Hall argued that Hegseth is an unmitigated disaster who would not last in any administration outside of Trumps. He noted Hegseths background as a Fox & Friends weekend host and questioned his ability to lead the Pentagon or manage veteran organizations. The combination of the double tap strike and Signal report, Hall stated, exposed Hegseths incompetence and dishonesty. He called him a total buffoon and questioned why he remains in his role, answering that the administrations culture of impunity protects him. Any other administration, he would be gone immediately, Hall said.

Author: Olivia Parker