A Defense Department spokesman criticized The Washington Post on Wednesday following its investigation into Secretary Pete Hegseth’s security detail, accusing the outlet of endangering the Cabinet member and his family. The article reported that Hegseth’s extensive security demands have strained Army resources, diverting agents from criminal cases to cover his homes in Minnesota, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C.

Joel Valdez, acting deputy press secretary for the Pentagon, condemned the report on X, claiming the journalists “intentionally published sensitive details,” despite the Post withholding exact agent numbers and locations. Sean Parnell, Hegseth’s chief spokesperson, called the story “astonishing,” arguing it ignored current threats including assassination attempts on Trump, increased assaults on ICE agents, and retaliation threats from Iran. He said Hegseth’s security measures were taken at the full recommendation of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID).

Hegseth, meanwhile, has continued to warn of growing threats from China, particularly concerning control of the Panama Canal. He accused Beijing of attempting to dominate the region through infrastructure projects and political influence, saying their goal is to gain strategic access to a key international waterway.

On Fox News, Hegseth stated that Trump had tasked him with pushing back against Chinese expansion in the region. He highlighted two key agreements: one with the Panama Canal Authority ensuring priority access for U.S. military and auxiliary vessels, and another reopening Fort Sherman for a joint Jungle School with Panama to bolster U.S. presence.

Hegseth praised Panamanian President Molina for standing firm against Chinese pressure and aligning with the U.S. He emphasized that safeguarding the canal is a matter of national security, warning that previous administrations had failed to act while China expanded its influence in America’s strategic backyard.