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A Coast Guard Search Mission Cut Short—For Politics

2026-02-19 News & Politics
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The Bulwark
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Description

In this edition of Command Post,” Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) give their takes on the alarming report that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is blocking military promotions because one colonel worked for General Mark Milley, a former Trump adviser turned foe. Plus, the team breaks down the "toxic leadership" behind Kristi Noem’s Coast Guard scandal and why the Trump administration’s approach to NATO at the Munich Security Conference missed the point. Europe isn't a burden, it’s America’s secret weapon. Read more from retired Lt. Gen. Hertling: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/americas-generals-shouldnt-face-political-loyalty-tests-hegseth-promotion-list-butler-milley-army https://www.thebulwark.com/p/europe-is-americas-secret-weapon-giving-it-up-munich-security-conference-rubio-colby-nato-eu-germany Become a Bulwark Youtube Plus Member here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Hp1KbGw4e02N7FpPXDgQ/join

Top Comments (10)

@GigiR307 2026-02-19

My son is an Army infantryman. I cannot imagine the pain the family of the lost Coast Guardsman must feel. Noem should be removed.

197 8 replies
@dwdei8815 2026-02-19

There's too many Russian patriots in this hell-stink of an administration.

181 21 replies
@billclarke3754 2026-02-19

I respect General Hertling for courageously calling objective balls and strikes

157
@MinnesotaVet 2026-02-19

My oath didn't have an expiration date. Every time Hegseth does shit like this he dishonors his.

112 2 replies
@j.l.c526 2026-02-19

General Hertling is an excellent addition to The Bulwark. Thankful for his input.

110
@wellscampbell9858 2026-02-19

If Noem caused even ten minutes delay with her actions around the search plane then she should not be working in our government for another day. That is indefensible and awful. She needs to go.

80 4 replies
@GrahamDobson-l2v 2026-02-19

As Pete Hegseth freezes promotion lists that once moved on merit; senior officers counter with warnings that stalled commands bleed readiness; yet the moment he turns routine advancement into a loyalty tribunal snaps the whole chain of trust into crisis; and the force now bears the consequence as vacant billets, delayed reliefs, and fraying norms echo through every echelon.

74 3 replies
@ane-louisestampe7939 2026-02-19

When you hate "the others" more than you love your own chidren...

70 2 replies
@LorddVader 2026-02-19

Midterms need to clean out the GOP garbage.

58 3 replies
@Generic-Human-Input 2026-02-19

“This administration supports our troops!” “As long as it’s politically convenient!”

58 2 replies

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