Hegseth keeps White House backing amid ‘smear campaign’ alleging likely ouster
The White House is standing firmly behind Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth amidst media reports suggesting his impending removal from office. Hegseth has once again found himself under scrutiny following a recent disclosure in a Signal messaging app group chat involving his wife, brother, and lawyer about a military airstrike in Yemen against the Houthis. Despite the controversy, Hegseth maintains that no classified information was shared during the conversation.
This incident comes on the heels of a similar situation in March, where Hegseth and other high-ranking Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, were involved in a Signal chat discussing the same Yemen attack. National security advisor Mike Waltz took responsibility for that oversight. However, the White House has voiced its unequivocal support for Hegseth, dismissing the allegations as part of a concerted effort to undermine his leadership.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that Hegseth has been the target of a smear campaign ever since his nomination by President Trump in December 2024. She reiterated the administration’s backing of Hegseth and praised the reforms he has initiated at the Pentagon. Despite facing opposition during his confirmation hearing, Hegseth has pressed on with efforts to overhaul diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the Department of Defense, aligning them with executive orders from the Trump administration.
Recent reports suggesting a potential replacement for Hegseth were swiftly refuted by the White House, with Leavitt dismissing the claims as “fake news.” Hegseth, for his part, maintains that the conversations in the Signal chats were informal and unclassified, intended primarily for media coordination and other non-sensitive matters. While some within Hegseth’s inner circle have raised doubts about his longevity in the role, the defense secretary remains resolute in his defense of the communications.
Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Jack Reed, have called for an investigation into Hegseth’s use of Signal, citing concerns about his competence and character. Reed has expressed reservations about Hegseth’s ability to lead the Department of Defense effectively, pointing to the chaos and dysfunction that have characterized his tenure thus far.
As the controversy surrounding Secretary Hegseth continues to unfold, the White House remains steadfast in its support, underscoring the transformative changes he has brought to the Pentagon. Despite the mounting pressure and calls for his resignation, Hegseth remains focused on his mission to drive meaningful reform within the Department of Defense and uphold the trust and confidence of U.S. service members.
