URGENT UPDATE: A key advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has officially resigned from the Pentagon after just six months of service, the Department of Defense (DoD) confirmed today. Justin Fulcher announced his departure on Thursday evening, citing personal reasons for his decision to leave the high-profile position.
Fulcher’s resignation comes amid a strategic transformation within the Pentagon, as Hegseth seeks to restore the military’s “warrior ethos.” In a speech at Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit, Hegseth emphasized his commitment to revitalizing military standards, making Fulcher’s exit all the more significant.
In an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, Fulcher expressed gratitude for his time at the DoD, calling the experience “incredibly inspiring.” He highlighted his contributions to several defense initiatives, including efforts that redirected nearly $50 billion towards enhancing military readiness and impactful defense programs.
Fulcher played a pivotal role in modernizing IT systems by streamlining software procurement processes, reducing timelines from years to just months. He also supported Hegseth in critical discussions across the Indo-Pacific region, notably at the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
The DoD issued a statement acknowledging Fulcher’s contributions, with chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell expressing gratitude for his service. “The Department of Defense is grateful to Justin Fulcher for his work on behalf of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth. We wish him well in his future endeavors,” Parnell stated.
Fulcher’s resignation marks a notable personnel shift within Hegseth’s office, as he is one of at least six aides to depart since January. While defense officials characterize these changes as routine transitions, the frequency has raised eyebrows amid ongoing Pentagon controversies.
Looking ahead, it remains unclear what Fulcher’s next steps will be, though he indicated a desire to stay active in national security discussions. His departure is a reminder of the dynamic and often tumultuous environment within the Pentagon as it grapples with evolving defense priorities.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story and potential implications for future military initiatives.
