MP condemns Hegseth post featuring Vernon cadets

Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee MP Scott Anderson is condemning a social-media post by U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth that featured two young Canadian cadet officers at the Cadet Training Centre in Vernon.

Hegseth posted the image Tuesday on X, alongside a Canadian flag and the caption “this is real.” Anderson said the post targeted two female, non-combatant participants in a youth program and fell short of the conduct expected from a senior U.S. official. He shared a blurred screenshot of the post and used the same caption in his response.

Anderson said Canadians and Americans have lived peacefully alongside one another for more than 200 years and remain closely connected through their economies, continental defence and cultures. But he said he objected to what he called a cheap shot at women and children in his riding.

The post drew backlash from Canadians, including criticism that Hegseth had singled out a youth program to disparage Canada’s military. Some online responses also made derogatory comments about the cadets’ appearances.

Pentagon deputy press secretary Jacob Bliss said the X post spoke for itself when asked about the reaction. Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking in Ottawa on Tuesday, said Trump administration comments maligning Canada’s military were beneath the office of those making them. The exchange comes as Canada-U.S. tensions remain elevated after trade talks broke down last month.