Budd: This Isn’t Entertainment — It’s National Defense

Budd Must Break Ranks From His Man-Crush and Demand Resignation of Reckless Defense Chief

Sen. Budd,

I’m writing you not just as a North Carolinian but as someone who deeply values the strength and integrity of our military. The confirmation of this Defense nominee—a man whose record reads more like a commentator than a commander—is a slap in the face to every service member who has put on the uniform with honor.

This isn’t theoretical anymore. This nominee has used an unofficial messaging app to discuss highly classified military matters, even going so far as to invite a reporter into the conversation. Worse, in a separate Signal chat, he added his wife—who holds no security clearance—along with his brother and personal attorney, both of whom work for the Pentagon but had no need-to-know for the operations being discussed. And now, we find out he used a dirty internet line for Defense Department communications—a completely irresponsible act that jeopardizes operational security.

This is not the time for political gamesmanship or for handing out titles to appease fringe popularity. This is the time for sober, steady, and qualified leadership. North Carolina's military bases are on the frontlines of American readiness, and we need leaders in Washington who treat that responsibility with the gravity it deserves.

Rep. Don Bacon has already done the right thing and called for this nominee’s resignation. I ask you to do the same. The longer this situation continues, the greater the risk to our national security.

Please, show the courage to push back on this. Our state, our soldiers, and our nation deserve far better.

TildenM