Pete Hegseth reportedly hired MAGA influencers as ‘highly qualified experts’

Politics
1 Sep 2026 • 4:39 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Pete Hegseth reportedly hired MAGA influencers as ‘highly qualified experts’

  • High-profile conservative influencers with large social media followings have reportedly been working as undisclosed government employees for the Pentagon.
  • Retired colonels Rob Maness and Kurt Schlichter hold Defense Department civilian email addresses while publicly promoting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Trump administration policies, according to the Washington Post.
  • Other influencers, such as Jennica Pounds and Thomas Anderson, recently disclosed holding temporary special government employee status with the Department of Defense.
  • It’s unclear if Maness, Schlichter, and other influencers like them are being paid with taxpayer dollars or what work they are doing for the government.
  • The revelations have sparked criticism and raised concerns about transparency regarding social media accounts promoting administration talking points.

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