Exasperated Republicans rage at blacked out Pentagon: ‘Worst in the administration’

Republicans are popping off about ‘growing secrecy’ and ‘chaotic decision making’ that is consuming the Department of War.

What should have been an ordinary nomination hearing for Austin Dahmer, the president’s pick for assistant secretary for strategy, plans and forces, turned into chaos among lawmakers on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Dahmer was interrogated by lawmakers on the Pentagon’s lack of transparency and communication issues with Capitol Hill, the White House and also foreign partners.

Committee Chairman Roger Wicker opened the hearing with a sharp rebuke, noting that his staff had been unable to consult meaningfully with the department on either the National Defense Strategy or the Global Posture Review.

‘Members and staff of this committee have struggled to receive information from the policy office,’ Wicker said. ‘At times, Pentagon officials have pursued policies that are not in accord with President Trump’s orders.’

He wasn’t the only one who felt strongly about the alleged lack of communication from Hegseth and his department.

Senator Dan Sullivan labeled their policy office as ‘the worst in the administration.’ He said that it was harder to get responses from the policy department than even the president himself.

‘Man, I can’t even get a response,’ Sullivan told the nominee, clearly vexed. ‘And we’re on your team!’

Austin Dahmer, President Trump’s pick for assistant secretary for strategy, plans and forces, has been performing the duties of the deputy under secretary of war for policy

In a bipartisan show of exasperation, both parties in the Senate vented their troubles over what they describe as ‘growing secrecy’ and ‘chaotic decision making’ at the Department of War

‘Members and staff of this committee have struggled to receive information from the policy office,’ Wicker said. ‘I’ve noticed an unsettling trend this year,’ Wicker continued. ‘At times, the Pentagon officials have pursued policies that are not in accord with President Trump’s orders or seem uncoordinated within the administration’

Both democrats and republicans have said the policy arm is a sign of even larger problems at the Pentagon under their new leader, who has asked for all communication with Congress to be first cleared through legislative affairs

Senator Dan Sullivan labeled their policy office as ‘the worst in the administration.’ He said that it was harder to get responses from the policy department than even the president himself

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill listed numerous issues they were not privy to, including a review of the AUKUS submarine deal, a temporary pause in military aid to Ukraine and troop deployments that were withdrawn without notice.

Wicker also noted the abrupt cancellation of an Army brigade’s planned deployment to Romania, saying it appeared to conflict with Trump’s vow to keep US troops in Europe.

‘This decision did not appear to reflect the policy mandate of President Trump,’ Wicker noted. He added, ‘Just two weeks ago, the president had said that troops would not be withdrawn from Europe.’

Wicker further pressed the Pentagon arm on its failure to brief Congress regarding the decision in Europe, but Dahmer maintained that the committee had been briefed three times on the matter.

Dahmer’s claims that they were in the know continued to erk the Republican senator.

‘Are we confusing ‘notifications’ with ‘briefing’? Check on that… will you do that?’ Wicker pushed.

Dahmer evaded many questions from lawmakers when pressed further about his department – pinning the blame on ‘false reporting’ and ‘fake news.’

Senator Tom Cotton pushed back on the claims.

‘I understand media reports can be wrong, believe me… but it just seems like there’s this Pigpen–like mess coming out of the policy shop that you don’t see from, say, intel and security,’ Cotton fired back.

Senator Jack Reed referred to his testimony as ‘cloaked in a veil of ignorance.’

Both Democrats and Republicans have said the policy arm is a sign of even larger problems at the Pentagon under their new leader, who has asked for all communication with Congress to be first cleared through legislative affairs.

Dahmer has not been confirmed yet at the Pentagon – but has already been working for Hegseth – leaving lawmakers to try to call his bluff when it came to not knowing of specific issues happening in his world.

Daily Mail reached out to the Pentagon.

Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson responded that all Department of War components engage with Congress on a regular basis to ensure they are being as ‘responsive’ and ‘transparent’ as possible, adding that, ‘The Department values its relationship with the Hill, and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Congress to support a robust national defense.’