Senate Republicans are standing by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth despite concerns about his future leading the Pentagon amid ongoing turmoil in the Trump administration. The recent replacement of national security adviser Mike Waltz has caused disappointment among Republicans, who viewed Waltz as well qualified for the job and a stabilizing force to work with Hegseth, who lacks extensive national security policy experience.
Following news of Waltz’s impending departure, President Trump nominated him to be United Nations ambassador and added the national security adviser role to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s portfolio. Republican senators expressed regret over Waltz’s exit, with Sen. Ted Cruz describing him as a competent adviser. Sen. Thom Tillis also expressed disappointment, calling Waltz a good person.
GOP lawmakers have a less favorable view of Hegseth, with some suggesting he needs to improve his team. Concerns have been raised about Hegseth’s management, with speculation that he could be the next to be replaced. Recent changes within Hegseth’s inner circle, including the departure of key officials, have added to the scrutiny.
An anonymous Republican senator mentioned concerns about Hegseth’s handling of sensitive information and potential distractions caused by his wife’s involvement in his activities. The senator noted that President Trump is intolerant of distractions from senior officials and may consider removing Hegseth if the situation persists.
Despite challenges, Hegseth’s high profile and Trump’s strong support during his nomination process suggest a level of commitment from the administration. Hegseth’s confirmation in the Senate was supported by Vice President Vance’s tiebreaking vote, with some Republicans initially opposing the nomination.
Hegseth’s confirmation was secured after addressing allegations of misconduct, and he continues to face scrutiny within the administration. The possibility of his removal remains a topic of discussion among Republican lawmakers and observers.
Senator Tillis expressed concerns about Secretary Hegseth’s leadership at the Pentagon, particularly regarding his use of the Signal messaging app to discuss military actions. He mentioned awaiting an inspector general’s report requested by the Senate Armed Services Committee on this matter. Additionally, there were worries about recent staff changes at the Pentagon, with Senator Thune emphasizing the importance of a strong team supporting Hegseth. Despite some Republicans expressing confidence in Hegseth, there were calls for his resignation from Democrats who criticized his leadership and impact on the Department of Defense. The controversy surrounding Hegseth and his national security adviser, Waltz, led to discussions about potential personnel changes within the administration.
