Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine during a press briefing at the Pentagon on April 16, 2026.
SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images
August 25, 2026 12:35 PM ET
Pentagon
Civilians
Senior officers advised Hegseth to keep civilian-protection program. He axed it anyway
The U.S. military has killed hundreds of noncombatants since gutting its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response mission. The blowback may lead to a partial restoration.
1,403 words~6 min read
