US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared a photo on X on 2026-09-02 of two young women in uniform at the Vernon Cadet Training Centre in Canada, accompanied by a Canadian flag and the text 'this is real', insinuating Canadian military personnel are not fit enough. ^[1] Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, stated at a press conference in Victoria on 2026-06-25 that the idea of the US launching military action against Canada is preposterous. ^[2] The US military reported on 2026-09-03 that 227 people were killed in attacks on suspected drug smuggling boats in the Pacific and Caribbean regions over the past year. ^[3] George Clooney, an outspoken Democrat and director of Good Night, and Good Luck, told reporters at the Venice Film Festival that he was ashamed of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's behavior regarding a social media post. ^[4] Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reacted angrily on 2026-09-02, calling the post 'beneath the dignity of his office' and urging the US to stop posting memes and take talks seriously. ^[5] Admiral Samuel Paparo told a reporter that he follows the orders of the president but described a hypothetical question about attacking Canada as needlessly emotional. ^[6] General Jennie Carignan, chief of defence staff for Canada, reiterated the separation between Canada and the U.S.'s military-to-military relationship versus its political relationship during the conference. ^[7] Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a photo of a member of the Vernon Cadets receiving an award with the caption 'this is real', which critics interpreted as an attempt to disparage the cadet's physical appearance. ^[8] George Clooney stated that the post lacked a sense of decency and asked, 'What's wrong with you?' regarding the Secretary of Defense's actions. ^[9] Admiral Samuel Paparo called Canada an indispensable partner and highlighted collaboration in the Indo-Pacific and through North American Aerospace Defense Command. ^[10] Hegseth's post came amid a trade feud between the United States and Canada, during which President Donald Trump and his administration have mocked Canada on social media. ^[11]