George Clooney condemns Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Canadian cadet photo

Hollywood star George Clooney, an outspoken Democrat, condemned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for being “cruel” after Hegseth posted a photo of two members of the Canadian cadet program, seemingly to mock their physical appearance.

“We’re at a moment in time that’s unfortunate,” Clooney told reporters at the Venice Film Festival on Wednesday after he was asked about his view of the United States.

“You see what the Secretary of Defense just tweeted out? A picture about women in the military from Canada. You’re going, ‘What’s wrong with you? Where’s the sense of decency in all of this?’” the Good Night, and Good Luck director said, referring to Hegseth’s post.

Earlier this week, Hegseth posted a photo of a member of the Vernon Cadets receiving an award from a cadet instructor with the caption “this is real” – seemingly an attempt to disparage the two’s appearance amid the U.S.’s trade feud with Canada.

Hegseth has been accused of body-shaming the Canadian cadet and the instructor, leading to outrage from critics. The post remained on his personal X page as of Wednesday.

Clooney told reporters he was “ashamed” of the defense secretary’s behavior.

“You know, the idea that cruelty is the base that being cruel and unkind is part of the fun of all of this… I’m ashamed of that, but we’ll get through it,” the Oceans 11 actor added.

The defense secretary’s latest insult to the Canadian military comes as President Donald Trump feuds with Canadian leaders over a trade deal that fell apart last week.

In retaliation for the failed negotiations, Trump and members of his administration have taken to social media to mock Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday that trade discussions would only begin “when the Americans stop doing memes, stop throwing shade, stop trying to be tough and start being serious about having those discussions.”

The Pentagon said Hegseth’s post "speaks for itself."

The cadet and instructor singled out by Hegseth are part of Canada’s national cadet program, overseen by the Canadian military. The program teaches skills to people aged 12 to 18.

Gen. Jennie Carignan, Canada’s chief of defense staff, said both cadet members were receiving support from the Canadian military and had been consulted about steps forward.

"We are very much focused in supporting the affected members, and I have a lot of pride in what our Canadian Armed Forces do and who we are, what we are about," Carignan told CBC News.

Carignan added: "We have professional, competent personnel. And again, reinforcing this aspect, my U.S. counterparts are absolutely well versed in understanding how much of a contribution we are making."