Scarborough blasts Defense Secretary Hegseth over carrier hardships and DEI focus

During a heated segment on Thursday, Joe Scarborough targeted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for what he described as a failure to address basic needs of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, now in its ninth month of deployment in the Middle East. Scarborough highlighted reports of dwindling supplies, malfunctioning toilets, and inadequate rations that have driven some crew members to contemplate self-harm. He contended that Hegseth’s emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion topics, including discussions of gender and race, undermines the department’s primary mission of readiness.

The former congressman also pointed out that the Pentagon appears unable to track its defensive munitions stockpiles amid warnings of a potential Iranian threat. Despite these issues, President Donald Trump has remained supportive of Hegseth. Scarborough’s remarks reflect growing frustration among some lawmakers over perceived mismanagement within the Defense Department.