FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
According to the Washington Post, current and former officials estimate that the presence of the US Secretary of Defense's family significantly increases security costs and requirements.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to France accompanied by his wife and six of the family's children to attend ceremonies commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the Normandy landings. The decision has sparked debate within the Pentagon, as current and former security officials say such a family delegation significantly increases security and logistical needs.
Hegseth's visit began Friday as part of activities honoring the tens of thousands of American soldiers who participated in the June 6, 1944 operations during World War II.
According to the Washington Post, the presence of his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, and six children has raised questions about the additional security costs, especially at a time when American authorities are maintaining a high level of alert due to developments in the Middle East and tensions with Iran.
Footage from the arrival in Paris showed Hegseth and his family disembarking from a US military plane and walking down the red carpet, where they were greeted by French officials.
"I've never seen anything like this, with the whole family participating in an official trip," a former official with the US Army Criminal Investigation Service (CID), which is responsible for protecting the Secretary of Defense during trips inside and outside the US, told the American newspaper.
. @SECWAR has arrived at Caen, France. pic.twitter.com/r6ZwND4b9m
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) June 6, 2026
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth personally covers his family's travel expenses, without clarifying whether this includes additional security costs.
"Secretary Hegseth fully complies with all applicable ethics rules, regulations and procedures," Parnell said, adding that the Pentagon implements travel policies with transparency and accountability.
According to former CID officials, trips abroad by senior officials require extensive security planning, including advance risk assessment teams, additional agents for family protection, operations centers, and security escorts.
They point out that these measures entail significant costs for transportation, accommodation, vehicles and per diems for personnel. A former service official said that costs can add up quickly when an entire family is required to be protected.
The debate comes as the US State Department advises American citizens in France to exercise increased caution due to the risk of terrorism and social unrest. Washington has also issued global warnings about potential threats to US interests from groups supporting Iran.
A current U.S. military official said the growing demands for Hegseth's security have put a strain on CID resources in recent months. According to him, the service has been engaged not only to protect the minister, but also to ensure the safety of several family members in various U.S. states.
This is not the first time Hegseth's family has accompanied him on an official mission. A similar trip took place last October, with a stop in Hawaii. In that case, the Pentagon did not clarify whether the minister reimbursed all costs associated with his family's participation.
Lini një Përgjigje