Michael Wolff, a biographer of President Donald Trump, has raised concerns about the qualifications of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, suggesting that his lack of experience is being exploited by Trump. Wolff stated on the podcast 'Inside Trump’s Head' that Hegseth and Trump are not adequately addressing complex military decisions, such as those related to the conflict in Ukraine. He criticized recent U.S. military strikes on alleged drug boats, describing them as lacking strategic value and primarily serving political interests.

Wolff emphasized that these actions undermine trust within the military, as they are executed without a clear understanding of the implications. He noted that the strikes, which have resulted in casualties, are indicative of a troubling approach to military leadership. Congress is currently investigating Hegseth's involvement in these operations, which have raised ethical and humanitarian concerns.

Wolff also commented on the decision-making style of Trump, suggesting that it often lacks thorough examination of intelligence materials. He recounted that Trump has a history of disengagement during briefings, which could further complicate military strategy and operations. The recent strikes on unarmed vessels have been defended by Hegseth as occurring in the 'fog of war,' a characterization Wolff disputes, arguing that there was no actual conflict or enemy present in these situations. The implications of such military actions raise questions about the ethical considerations of U.S. military engagement and the potential for civilian harm.