Donald Trump’s presidency is once again under fire, this time because of a major leak involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In a move that has shocked Washington insiders, Hegseth reportedly authorized a pause in weapons shipments to Ukraine without telling the White House. The result? A wave of panic inside Trump’s administration — and even more questions about Trump’s ability to lead.
According to five sources within the Pentagon, Hegseth made the call last week to temporarily stop the flow of critical U.S. weapons to Ukraine. Neither Trump nor top officials in the White House were informed ahead of time. Once the news broke, chaos followed. Congress, Ukraine, and U.S. allies all wanted answers, but the Trump team had none.
When Trump was asked during a cabinet meeting if he had approved the pause, his answer was: “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?” That one sentence set off alarm bells across the country. Critics and even some allies were left wondering: Is Donald Trump really in control of his own administration?
This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Sources say Hegseth also paused weapons shipments earlier this year in February without proper communication — a decision that was quickly reversed. Now, it’s happened again. And Trump’s confused, dismissive response only added fuel to the fire.
After the press questioned him, Trump tried to deflect by saying he had approved “defensive weapons” for Ukraine because “Putin is not treating human beings right.” But when pressed again about the pause, he admitted he didn’t know who was responsible. This raised serious concerns — not just about decision-making, but about Trump’s mental state.
Journalists, former officials, and critics immediately voiced concerns that Trump may be suffering from cognitive decline. Many called his comments “alarming,” especially since national security decisions like these require a clear chain of command. “This is absolutely mind-blowing,” said Brett Bruen, a former U.S. diplomat. “You cannot have a president this confused about basic policy actions.”
It also isn’t the first time Trump has appeared to not understand what’s happening in his own government. In previous instances, Trump said he didn’t know what the Congo was, didn’t recall signing key executive orders, and had to whisper questions to officials during public meetings. His critics have described him as being manipulated by those around him — especially by controversial figures like Stephen Miller, who reportedly overrules Trump on key issues like immigration.
Pete Hegseth’s rogue decision not only caused diplomatic confusion, but it also brought attention to Trump’s shaky leadership. He was reportedly blindsided by Hegseth’s move and later expressed frustration that he was left out of the loop. But for many watching, this wasn’t just a miscommunication — it was a clear sign of deeper dysfunction.
Even Trump’s own cabinet seems to be going in different directions. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins publicly contradicted Trump by saying there would be no amnesty for undocumented farm workers, despite Trump suggesting otherwise earlier the same day.
The chaos at the top only seems to be getting worse. In fact, footage from the cabinet meeting shows Trump visibly confused, whispering under his breath to Hegseth for help answering questions about international chemical weapons investigations — something any sitting president should be briefed on.
MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell gave a powerful response, saying Trump’s mental fitness reminds him of a fictional president who is “profoundly stupid” and can only function by hiding behind his staff. But the difference, he said, is that Trump does speak to the press — and exposes just how little he knows every time he does.
As journalists struggle to get real answers from the White House, Trump continues to use them as props — calling on some, ignoring others, and dodging accountability altogether.
The leak from Hegseth and Trump’s “I don’t know” answer may seem like just another headline, but they reveal something much more serious: a president who may no longer be capable of making basic decisions. And in the most powerful office in the world, that’s more than just a scandal — it’s a crisis.