President Donald Trump’s second term, characterized by shock-and-awe military activity, has been astonishing in its effectiveness and consistency. Critics are beginning to notice that, behind the scenes, some of his supposedly loyal military leaders have minds of their own — something the ancient Greeks warned could lead to disastrous consequences.

Trump’s foreign policy focus has produced major changes in South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and, most notably, the Middle East — all before the halfway point of his second term. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio often overshadow the less-reported disobedience within the military through their forceful alignment with Trump’s agenda.