Trump Stands by Hegseth: 'One of My Best'
The president defended his defense secretary in an interview with NBC News as Republican senators and allies questioned Pete Hegseth's handling of the Pentagon during the war with Iran.
President Donald Trump said he intends to keep Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, brushing aside concerns from allies and lawmakers about Hegseth's leadership of the Pentagon during the war with Iran.
"I think he's actually one of my best. I'm very good at this stuff," Trump told NBC News in a phone interview. "Smart guy. He's very much into it. Respected by the military."
The show of support comes as the six-month war has grown unpopular. At least one political ally told Trump in recent weeks that Hegseth is "not a manager" and is not up to running the Pentagon in wartime, according to NBC News. Sen. Thom Tillis said publicly that he has "zero confidence" in the defense secretary.
Removing Hegseth would require Trump to find a replacement who could win Senate confirmation. One name circulating in pro-Trump circles is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, though Trump said he would be open to considering DeSantis for a different role.
A deal to end the war appeared to be taking shape in Qatar, but there were few signs of progress as of Thursday. A narrower agreement between Iran and Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz appeared to be closer.
Ogles falls, Blackburn advances in Tennessee
Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee lost his Republican primary to Charlie Hatcher, a former state agriculture commissioner backed by the governor and other prominent Republicans. Ogles becomes the ninth House member — and the third Republican — to lose a primary this year, despite Trump's endorsement.
Ogles has faced several controversies, including criticism over comments about Muslims and an investigation into alleged campaign finance violations.
In the governor's race, Sen. Marsha Blackburn won the Republican nomination, defeating Rep. John Rose. Blackburn, who in 2018 became the first woman to represent Tennessee in the Senate, would be the state's first female governor if she wins in November. She is among the Senate's most conservative members, known for her positions on abortion and transgender rights.
Trump also signed two executive actions on immigration — one limiting the number of people eligible for birthright citizenship and another aimed at stopping "birth tourism."
This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), in accordance with our editorial policy.