'Below the dignity of the office': Canadian officials condemn Pete Hegseth cadet post
The US Defence Secretary is facing criticism for his apparent online mocking of members of Canada's cadet programme.
Canadian officials are criticizing US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth for a social media post that seemingly ridicules participants in Canada's cadet youth program.
Hegseth shared an image, originally from a local training branch's social media, depicting a young cadet receiving an award from her instructor. He appended a Canadian flag emoji and the phrase "this is real," which appears to be an attempt to disparage Canada's military by mocking the individuals' appearances.
On Tuesday, Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty stated that Hegseth's post was "below the dignity of the office."
The US and Canada are currently embroiled in a trade dispute, which has frequently devolved into verbal sparring. The Trump administration has consistently accused its northern neighbor of relying on American military strength for its defense.
When questioned about the post and other recent barbs from Trump administration officials, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday that trade discussions would only resume "when the Americans stop doing memes, stop throwing shade, stop trying to be tough and start being serious about having those discussions."
The Pentagon has commented that Hegseth's post "speaks for itself."
The national cadet program, overseen by the military, provides leadership and skills training to young people aged 12 to 18.
The Army Cadet League of Canada, a civilian organization supporting the program, issued a statement strongly condemning "any online harassment, or mockery of cadets' achievements." The organization added, "Directing derogatory commentary toward youth who are actively working to better themselves and serve their communities is unacceptable."
Canada's top military commander, General Jennie Carignan, told broadcaster CBC that they are in contact with the involved cadets to determine their desired response. "We are consulting with them on how they want to go about doing this," she explained.
Other officials also voiced their disapproval. Scott Anderson, a Conservative Member of Parliament for Vernon, Canada, and a former military reservist, directed a post at Hegseth, accusing him of failing to uphold the "responsibility and decorum" associated with his position. "You have chosen to set both aside and insult two female Canadian non-combatants, and to intentionally shame them before millions. You should be ashamed," Anderson wrote.
He continued, "Our economies, our continental defence and our cultures are irretrievably intertwined and yet we are two distinct nations. Canadians and Americans should have no problem with each other, but I have a problem with you."
Trade negotiations between Canada and the US collapsed last month, with both nations blaming the other for last-minute demands that scuttled a provisional agreement. The US promptly imposed 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion (C$28 billion) of Canadian imports, and Canada plans to implement reciprocal countermeasures next week.
Both sides have exchanged insults, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford calling Trump a "loser," the US president reportedly seeking to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America, and transportation secretary Sean Duffy accusing Canada of being a country that "doesn't have a military."
Despite these tensions, the two countries have long been defense partners and allies, including Canada's support for the US in the war in Afghanistan. Canada has also significantly increased its defense spending in recent months, after years of falling short of NATO targets.
Hegseth, a veteran, is facing domestic pressure himself due to a recent series of high-profile military leaders departing the Pentagon and questions surrounding the US's handling of the Iran war. He has also consistently emphasized the appearance and physical fitness of US troops and what he terms the "warrior ethos."