""There's a lot of confusion and head-shaking," an administration official told Axios, describing the vibe this week. "It feels so much like petty, high-school or middle-school drama.""
""You have this pervasive, 'Oh my gosh, what is the next perceived slight that is going to upset the Mean Girls.'""
"Trust is not running particularly high at the moment. A political appointee or general can only be effective if they feel entrusted and empowered to use their judgement."
"Phelan's firing reignited insider gossip about whether Hegseth might make a move against Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, with whom he has well-publicized differences."
Fifteen defense officials have departed under Trump 2.0, driven by political clashes and personal conflicts. Confusion and drama characterize the current atmosphere. Relations between key figures, such as Phelan and Hegseth, have soured, particularly over shipbuilding reforms. Trust among military leaders is low, impacting their effectiveness. Phelan's firing has sparked speculation about potential moves against Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, despite his connections to Vice President Vance. The situation is compounded by ongoing pressures from the Iran war and recent Cabinet reshuffles.
Read at Axios
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