'Below the dignity of the office': Canadian officials condemn Pete Hegseth cadet post
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing backlash from Canadian officials after posting a social media message mocking a Canadian youth cadet program. Canadian leaders have condemned the post as undignified, further straining diplomatic relations already tested by ongoing trade disputes.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the fragility of US-Canada diplomatic relations and the impact of social media rhetoric on international statecraft.
Image source, Reuters By Jessica Murphy Canada digital editor Published 22 minutes ago US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is under fire in Canada for a social media post that appears to mock members of the country's cadet youth programme.
Hegseth posted the image, taken from the social media account for a local training branch, showing a young cadet receiving an award from her instructor.
He added a Canadian flag emoji and the caption "this is real" - an apparent attempt at disparaging Canada's military by making fun of the pair's appearance.
Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty said on Tuesday that Hegseth's post was "below the dignity of the office".
The US and Canada are in the middle of a trade dispute that has often descended into a war of words, and the Trump administration has long accused their northern neighbour of relying on American military might for its defence.
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