Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has formally called for the immediate removal of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In a statement posted to social media, Schumer characterized Hegseth as "completely incompetent" and linked his leadership to the current situation involving the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. Schumer argued that the consequences of Hegseth's management are negatively impacting U.S. sailors, describing the situation as "horrific and unfathomable."

While Schumer’s statement is direct, it lacks specific details regarding the exact nature of the incident or the specific policy decisions involving the USS Abraham Lincoln that prompted his criticism. The call for termination represents a significant escalation in the ongoing political friction between Democratic leadership and the current Department of Defense administration. As of now, there has been no official response from the Department of Defense or the White House regarding Schumer's demand for Hegseth's resignation or firing.