Raja, Veterans Rally In Chicago To Demand Defense Secretary Hegseth’s Resignation

India-West Staff Reporter

CHICAGO, IL – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi joined Illinois Veterans for Change and other community leaders at Daley Plaza March 27, here to call for the resignation of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

The rally was prompted by recent reports that Hegseth shared classified military plans over an unsecured messaging app, an unprecedented breach that has the potential to jeopardize the safety of American service members.

Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, condemned Hegseth’s actions, stressing that such behavior undermines trust and national security. He called for the Secretary of Defense to step down, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

“When a Secretary of Defense exposes classified strike plans in a war zone, he doesn’t just break protocol, he breaks trust with every American who wears the uniform,” Krishnamoorthi said. “Pete Hegseth endangered our troops and then he lied about it. And for that, he must resign.”

The rally featured participation from Illinois lawmakers, including Rep. Danny Davis and Alderman Gil Villegas, along with veterans of Illinois’ 46th Ward. Mykela Collins, whose cousin serves aboard the USS Carl Vinson, also voiced her concerns about the effects of Hegseth’s actions on active military personnel.

Illinois Veterans for Change Chair Jesse Rojo and other veterans at the rally stressed that public servants must be held accountable, regardless of their position.