Pentagon colonel fired for calling Israel a death cult

In early 2025, Colonel Nathan McCormack, a senior U.S. Army officer serving in the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was removed from his position after being found responsible for inflammatory social media posts criticizing Israel and the U.S.-Israel alliance. McCormack, who had been with the Joint Staff’s Strategic Planning Directorate since June 2024, made several claims under a semi-anonymous account that contradicted U.S. foreign policy and violated Department of Defense regulations regarding public statements. His comments included accusations labeling Israel as a 'death cult' and describing its leaders as focused on the expulsion of Palestinians. He also expressed views that the U.S. was a proxy for Israel, suggesting American officials were prolonging the conflict for political purposes. The Pentagon confirmed that McCormack's statements did not reflect the official stance of the military or the Joint Staff, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline and alignment with national security policies among service members. His posts triggered significant concern among military peers, with some deeming his views as irresponsible and potentially dangerous, as they risked undermining military cohesion and made him susceptible to exploitation by foreign intelligence. Consequently, the Army initiated an investigation to determine what further disciplinary action might be necessary. In another instance that garnered criticism, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was questioned about his defense of Kingsley Wilson, a controversial Pentagon spokesperson with a record of making antisemitic remarks. During a Senate committee hearing, Hegseth struggled to address concerns regarding Wilson’s past comments that have been described as fueled by conspiracy theories and offensive rhetoric. The senator pressed Hegseth about the appropriateness of hiring someone with such a record, highlighting bipartisan frustration over personnel decisions affecting national security. Overall, these events have sparked a heated debate about the conduct of military personnel and the vetting processes involved in appointing individuals to key positions within the Defense Department. The Pentagon's actions reflect growing scrutiny on the use of social media among active-duty members, reinforcing the call for adherence to regulations prohibiting public statements that might imply official endorsement of controversial views or contradict U.S. foreign policy.