Donald Trump has publicly backed Pete Hegseth over his handling of the Iran war, praising the defence secretary during a speech in the White House Rose Garden as scrutiny grows over turmoil at the Pentagon.
Trump appeared to relish the opportunity to defend Hegseth, who has faced mounting criticism in recent weeks following the departure of Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll.
The president commended Hegseth’s performance as the United States continues its military campaign against Iran, portraying the operation as a success despite the conflict entering its seventh month.
Hegseth has been at the centre of a series of senior leadership changes across the US defence establishment. Driscoll’s resignation was confirmed by the White House on Monday, with no official reason given for his decision.
Driscoll completed his final full day in the role on Wednesday. Tensions between him and Hegseth had been widely reported, although Driscoll did not refer to any dispute in a public statement following the announcement.
His departure has left the Army without a Senate-confirmed secretary at a critical moment, with tens of thousands of US troops deployed across the Middle East amid continuing hostilities with Iran.
The White House has described Driscoll as having been highly effective in advancing the president’s agenda. Reports have also said that Trump encouraged him to remain in post until at least the midterm elections, while Driscoll raised concerns about the direction of the Army under Hegseth.
Trump’s Rose Garden remarks nevertheless offered a clear public show of support for Hegseth, signalling that the defence secretary retains the president’s backing as questions continue over senior departures and the progress of the Iran war.
