Overview

• President Trump publicly expressed confidence in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating he believes Hegseth will 'get it together' despite ongoing controversies.
• Hegseth is under investigation by the Department of Defense's acting Inspector General for his use of the Signal app to share sensitive military plans, including a Yemen airstrike.
• Three senior advisers were fired earlier this month as part of a leak investigation, with former aides criticizing Hegseth’s leadership as erratic and overly focused on internal probes.
• Reports suggest Hegseth spends a significant portion of his time on leak investigations, detracting from broader defense priorities and fueling bipartisan criticism.
• Hegseth accompanied Trump on a public appearance in Michigan, where the president highlighted his support, signaling Hegseth’s position remains secure for now.