Waltz doubles down on Hegseth praise amid ongoing Pentagon controversy

The Trump administration continues to show unwavering support for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, despite facing a series of controversies and resignations within the Department of Defense. National security adviser Mike Waltz spoke out on Sunday, praising Hegseth’s leadership and reforms within the Pentagon.

In an interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, Waltz addressed concerns about the alleged dysfunction and chaos at the highest levels of the Pentagon. He defended Hegseth, highlighting his proactive approach and intolerance for leaking sensitive information. Waltz dismissed the reports of chaos as a mere media narrative, emphasizing that the administration is committed to powering through any challenges.

Waltz also downplayed the recent departures of senior aides under Hegseth’s leadership, including his chief of staff, Joe Kasper. Despite calls from some Democrats for an investigation into Hegseth’s leadership, Waltz remained steadfast in his support for the Defense Secretary.

The ongoing turmoil within the Pentagon has raised questions about Hegseth’s ability to deliver on foreign policy goals, such as brokering a peace settlement in Russia’s war in Ukraine. However, Waltz emphasized that Hegseth is leading the charge and implementing much-needed accountability measures within the department.

Recent reports of Hegseth’s involvement in a Signal group chat discussing military strikes against the Houthis have added to the scrutiny surrounding his tenure. Additionally, the firing of several senior staffers has raised concerns about the stability of leadership within the Pentagon. Despite these challenges, the White House has reiterated its support for Hegseth, dismissing any speculation about a possible replacement.

In the face of mounting criticism and distractions, Hegseth remains focused on his mission to reform the Pentagon and deliver results. The administration stands firmly behind him, emphasizing the progress he has made thus far. As the Pentagon navigates through these turbulent times, Hegseth’s leadership and commitment to accountability will be crucial in restoring stability and effectiveness to the department.