Pentagon defends Pete Hegseth’s post about Canadian cadets

The U.S. Pentagon is backing War Secretary Pete Hegseth after he posted an image from a cadet training centre in Vernon, British Columbia, with the caption “this is real.” The post showed two young women in uniform and quickly drew criticism in Canada. Canadian officials and observers said the message mocked the cadet program and unfairly targeted youth in uniform. Prime Minister Mark Carney said the comment was “beneath” the office, while B.C. Premier David Eby called the post and the Pentagon’s response embarrassing. The Army Cadet League of Canada also condemned the online harassment and said it was unacceptable to direct derogatory remarks at young people working to improve themselves and serve their communities. The article notes the dispute comes at a tense moment in CanadaU.S. relations, with trade talks stalled and both governments exchanging sharp public remarks.