Overview
- Hegseth delivered a rapid, highly animated statement to reporters in Panama on Thursday while defending the Navy's handling of the USS Abraham Lincoln, prompting public attention to his behavior.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom posted on X calling Hegseth 'delusional, manic, agitated' and asked whether the defense secretary has taken a recent drug test and why any results are not public.
- Hegseth dismissed earlier reporting about the carrier as 'completely misrepresented' and said the Pentagon provides what each ship, crew and captain needs.
- Reporting has documented that the Abraham Lincoln has spent more than 250 days at sea with accounts of supply shortages, sinking morale and multiple sailors attempting to go overboard, which families and outlets have raised as urgent operational concerns.
- Hegseth's past substance-related allegations and his narrow 51–50 Senate confirmation heighten political scrutiny; the Pentagon has been contacted for comment and no public test results or formal investigations have been announced.