Acting Assistant to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth John Ullyot, who served as acting assistant for public affairs, stepped down effective at the end of the week of April 17, 2025, after failing to secure a suitable role under Hegseth.
The Hill reported that Ullyot’s departure follows a tenure marked by significant shifts in the Pentagon’s public affairs landscape. In February 2025, Sean Parnell, a former U.S. Army airborne ranger and ex-Senate candidate, took over as the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson.
This transition left Ullyot in a temporary role, which he had agreed to fill only until a permanent replacement was ready.
Ullyot informed Hegseth of his decision to leave on Thursday, April 17, 2025. A defense official confirmed that Ullyot was asked to resign, highlighting tensions within the department.
The resignation caps a week of upheaval, with three other top officials escorted out and placed on administrative leave over an investigation into politically damaging leaks designed to damage the Trump administration.
The Defense Department’s internal struggles have drawn scrutiny as Hegseth navigates his leadership role. Ullyot had been vocal in defending the Pentagon’s decision to remove web pages tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947, remains a symbol of courage and integration. The temporary removal of his commemorative page triggered widespread backlash, with critics accusing the Pentagon of erasing important history. Ullyot’s involvement in defending this decision reportedly led to his sidelining by the Trump administration.
“I made clear to Secretary Hegseth before the Inauguration that I was not interested in being number two to anyone in public affairs,” Ullyot said in a statement to The Hill on April 17, 2025.
He emphasized his willingness to serve temporarily to help establish the Pentagon’s press operations. Ullyot expressed pride in his contributions during his brief tenure.
“Last month, as that time approached, the Secretary and I talked and could not come to an agreement on another good fit for me at DOD,” Ullyot continued.
He noted that this disagreement prompted his decision to leave by the week’s end. His statement reflects a commitment to his principles, even at the cost of his position.
Ullyot’s exit aligns with broader changes within the Pentagon’s leadership structure. The investigation into information leaks has already led to the suspension of two of Hegseth’s aides and the chief of staff to Deputy Secretary Steve A. Feinberg.
Despite his departure, Ullyot remained supportive of Hegseth’s vision. “It’s been an honor to serve alongside him as part of President Trump’s team,” Ullyot said in his statement. He pledged to continue backing the Secretary’s efforts moving forward.
The removal of diversity-related web pages, including the Jackie Robinson tribute, has fueled criticism of the Pentagon’s direction.
Ullyot’s role in justifying these decisions placed him at the center of the controversy. His sidelining by the Trump administration suggests a shift in how the department handles public-facing issues.
The Defense Department’s decision to take down the Robinson page, even temporarily, struck a nerve with many Americans. Robinson’s legacy as a trailblazer resonates deeply, and the move was seen as dismissive of his contributions. The backlash underscored the sensitivity of altering historical commemorations.
Ullyot’s resignation highlights the difficulties of aligning Pentagon operations with the Trump administration’s broader agenda.
His brief tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the department’s public affairs amid significant changes. Yet, his exit suggests that finding common ground with Hegseth proved elusive.
The ongoing investigation into information leaks adds another layer of complexity to the Pentagon’s challenges. The removal of three top officials earlier in the week of April 17, 2025, sent shockwaves through the department. Ullyot’s resignation, while separate, contributes to the perception of instability.