Conservative activist Laura Loomer has dropped a bombshell claim about a power struggle within the Pentagon that could shake up the current administration's defense hierarchy.
According to The Hill, Loomer accused the office of Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll of orchestrating a behind-the-scenes effort to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, labeling it a "coup."
Her allegations, posted on Monday via the social platform X, point to a calculated push by Driscoll's team to replace Hegseth, a figure President Trump reportedly holds in high regard. Loomer insists that Trump "loves" the former Fox News host, suggesting this maneuver defies the commander-in-chief's wishes.
Allegations of Media Manipulation and Internal Betrayal
Loomer's post detailed a supposed media campaign to prop up Driscoll while undermining Hegseth. She highlighted how legacy outlets, often critical of Hegseth, have painted Driscoll as a "rising star" at the Pentagon over the past two weeks.
This narrative, she argues, smells of orchestration, especially given Hegseth's rocky tenure marked by controversies like alleged illegal strikes in the Caribbean and leaked war plan texts. Such scandals provide fertile ground for those looking to nudge him out of power.
What's more, Loomer ties this to a deeper network of disloyalty, claiming former Biden administration figures are pulling strings. She specifically named ex-national security adviser Jake Sullivan as a key player advocating for Driscoll's ascent.
Connections and Conflicts in High Places
Driscoll's ties to Sullivan, forged during their time at Yale Law School alongside Vice President Vance, raise eyebrows about where loyalties truly lie. A source familiar with administration dynamics told Politico, "There’s not a lot of trust in Hegseth to deliver these messages to key leaders," implying Driscoll holds more credibility abroad.
That same source added, "There is more trust in Dan to do that right now," which fuels Loomer's suspicion of a deliberate effort to sideline Hegseth. If true, this preference for Driscoll in sensitive peace talks with Ukraine and the Middle East could signal a shift in Pentagon influence.
Loomer also pointed to Sullivan's alleged role in planting favorable stories about Driscoll, as confirmed by her high-level Pentagon sources. She wrote, "Sullivan is worried Hegseth and President Trump are going to take action against the seditious 6," referencing Democratic lawmakers under federal scrutiny for urging military members to defy "unlawful" orders.
Political Entanglements and Questionable Donations
Among those lawmakers, Loomer flagged Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, married to Sullivan, as part of this so-called "seditious 6." Goodlander's status as a Naval Reserve Intelligence Officer, Loomer noted, could expose her to disciplinary action under Hegseth's authority.
Adding another layer, Loomer questioned a $2,800 donation Goodlander made to Driscoll’s failed congressional run. "Why would an anti-Trump, Democrat Congresswoman married to Jake Sullivan, one of the architects of the Russia Collusion hoax, donate to a Republican candidate for Congress who would later move on to be President Trump’s Army Secretary?" she asked pointedly on X.
This financial link, combined with Sullivan’s advocacy, paints a picture of tangled motives that could undermine the administration’s unity. It’s a reminder that personal alliances often drive political chess games, even at the highest levels of national security.
A Battle for Trust and Accountability
Loomer's crusade doesn’t stop at accusations; she’s gearing up to press for answers at an upcoming Pentagon briefing, having recently secured credentials to cover the Department of Defense. Her earlier efforts already led to the dismissal of several National Security Council officials over loyalty concerns, showing she wields real influence.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon’s investigation into Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona for misconduct tied to the controversial video, alongside Trump’s own Truth Social condemnation of the "seditious" lawmakers as deserving harsh punishment, keeps the heat on. This clash of ideals, between following orders and challenging perceived overreach, sits at the heart of the broader conflict.
As this saga unfolds, the stakes couldn’t be higher for an administration striving to project strength while navigating internal dissent and external threats. Whether Loomer’s claims hold water or crumble under scrutiny, they expose a Pentagon rife with tension, where trust is a rare commodity, and every move could tip the balance of power.
