A disgruntled former employee of Pete Hegseth's veterans advocacy group reportedly provided Senate Democrats with ammunition to use against his nominee for secretary of defense ahead of his confirmation hearing. It is being
2014 performance review obtained by washington free beacon shows that Kat Dugan, former state director of the American Veterans Association, was poorly rated at the organization when Hegseth was the nonprofit's CEO.
Dugan is currently testifying in secret before the Senate Armed Services Committee, urging some of his former colleagues to do the same, and is central to efforts to discredit President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon. The newspaper reported on Wednesday that he is playing a key role.
“When you call, once you have confirmation, state, 'I am calling as a whistleblower and understand that my identity will be protected,' and state any information they may have.” I am seeking supporting documentation,” Duggan reportedly wrote in a message to former CVA employees.
She directed her former colleagues to contact Democratic aides on the committee and said, “Anyone who speaks to the contacts below is strictly anonymous and available for testimony if confirmation hearings proceed.” They cannot be summoned,” he added.
According to a report in the Washington Free Beacon, Mr. Hegseth's allies have responded to a series of negative media reports dating back to 2018 alleging that Mr. Hegseth was running CVA like a “college frat house.” He said he believed Dugan was behind the attack.
Mr Hegseth's supporters also say Ms Dugan's poor performance at CVA and eventual departure from the group on bad terms suggest a motive for her claims.
Dugan's eight-month stint at CVA was “lackluster compared to other state secretaries,” her performance review said, according to the Washington Free Beacon.
“Her ability to lead a team is average at best, whether it's focusing on the wrong weaknesses, not celebrating the right strengths, or focusing on personality inconsistencies. Her leadership is rather ineffective,” continued the review, which was not written by Hegseth. “As strange as it may seem, I believe there is potential to lead almost everyone. But it hasn't shown up tangentially. [sic] Formed together with Kathleen. ”
Dugan, who filed multiple disability claims before tendering her resignation, was employed by CVA from April 2014 to December 2014.
This performance review was written in October 2014.
Dugan did not immediately respond to The Post's request for comment.
