The Dispute Index

Michael Gendron

Michael Gendron works in policy and communications for the Canadian Police Association and contributes commentary to Policy Options. His writing on Canada's Cadet Program draws on his experience as the parent of three participants.

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Case

Did Pete Hegseth’s “this is real” post mock Canadian cadets?

On September 1, 2026, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reposted an image from the Vernon Cadet Training Centre showing a cadet receiving an award from an instructor, adding a Canadian flag and the words “this is real.” Canadian officials, a cadet organization, a Republican member of Congress, and George Clooney characterized the post as mocking, demeaning, or beneath the dignity of Hegseth’s office. The Pentagon stood by the post but did not specify what the caption meant.

SexismU.S. PoliticsUpdated

Statements by Michael Gendron

Michael Gendron

Role at the time: Policy Options contributor and parent of cadet-program participants, writing in his own capacity

Condemned

Responding to

Hegseth’s post mocked or invited mockery of the appearance and achievements of people shown in the Canadian cadet-program image.

"an obvious invitation to mock the women’s appearance."
Why we used this label

The commentary directly condemns Hegseth's post. Its criticism of Canadian policy does not soften that condemnation or amount to a defense of Hegseth. The article is dated September 9 without a clock time; 12:00 UTC is a day-level placeholder.

Michael Gendron condemns Hegseth's cadet post and calls for stronger Canadian support (opens in a new tab)Opening five paragraphs, including the description of the Vernon photograph and the response to Carney's and McGuinty's criticism
Read statementDid Pete Hegseth’s “this is real” post mock Canadian cadets?

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