Nicolai Haugsted
Pete Hegseth’s future looks increasingly uncertain as Trump grows frustrated with the Iran war.
Donald Trump has built much of his political career around loyalty, particularly among the people he appoints to the most powerful positions in Washington. But history has also shown that the president’s confidence in his closest allies can change when political pressure begins to mount.
With the war against Iran approaching its ninth month and the midterm elections looming, the administration is facing difficult questions about the conflict’s direction and its political consequences.
The president is reportedly frustrated by the prolonged military campaign, which has lasted considerably longer than some of his advisers initially anticipated.
Now, according to a new report from The Atlantic, that frustration may be reaching the Pentagon’s highest levels.
Trump has reportedly begun privately questioning the performance of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, raising speculation among people close to the president that his position could be at risk.
Trump has reportedly been asking questions behind closed doors
According to The Atlantic, two outside advisers close to Trump say the president has been seeking opinions about Hegseth’s performance as defense secretary.
The conversations have reportedly taken place as Trump reassesses the military campaign against Iran and considers his options for the coming months.
Some people familiar with the discussions believe the questions resemble Trump’s previous behavior before removing senior officials from his administration.
However, the report does not establish that Trump has decided to dismiss Hegseth.
One outside adviser offered a revealing assessment of the defense secretary’s relationship with the president.
“Hegseth is good at telling the president what he wants to hear,” the adviser told The Atlantic.
Trump has reportedly also been asking about General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who has worked closely with Hegseth throughout the conflict.
The inquiries have fueled speculation that the president is reconsidering the advice he has received from his senior military leadership.
The Iran war has become a growing political problem
Hegseth has been among the administration’s most prominent public defenders of the military campaign against Iran.
The former Fox News commentator has repeatedly argued that Iran was pursuing nuclear weapons before the conflict began, while presenting the administration’s military operations in positive terms.
However, The Atlantic reports that some people familiar with the administration’s internal discussions believe Hegseth has given Trump an overly optimistic picture of the war.
According to those sources, the defense secretary has emphasized favorable developments without adequately explaining difficulties on the ground.
Hegseth was also reportedly among those who initially believed the conflict could conclude within four to six weeks.
Nearly nine months later, the administration is still confronting questions about how and when the fighting might end.
Two advisers and another official told The Atlantic that Trump has expressed frustration in recent weeks and believes the war has contributed to his political difficulties.
The report raises the possibility that Hegseth could become a target for blame if the president decides his military strategy needs a change.
Trump is considering whether to launch more strikes
The president is reportedly weighing several options for the next phase of the conflict.
According to The Atlantic, Hegseth and Caine have presented military proposals involving additional strikes against Iran.
The options reportedly range from campaigns lasting several days to operations extending over multiple weeks.
Trump has also been presented with an alternative that would bring the conflict to an end.
The president has not issued orders to resume strikes, according to the report.
His decision is expected to be influenced by developments surrounding the midterm elections, although the precise timing of any military action remains uncertain.
The deliberations place considerable importance on the relationship between Trump and the officials responsible for advising him on military strategy.
White House insists Trump still trusts Hegseth
Despite the reported private discussions, the administration has publicly rejected suggestions that the president has lost confidence in his military leadership.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told The Atlantic that Trump continues to support both Hegseth and Caine.
“President Trump and everyone at the White House have full confidence in both Secretary Hegseth and General Caine, who are fully aligned with the President’s mission,” Kelly said.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell also defended Hegseth’s handling of military briefings.
“Secretary Hegseth always provides the President and White House senior leaders the full operational picture,” Parnell said.
He added that the defense secretary remained committed to “promoting the right senior military officers to leadership positions and retiring those who are unwilling to effectively serve the only person in government elected by the whole of the American people: President Donald J. Trump.”
The statements directly contradict suggestions that Hegseth has failed to provide the president with an accurate assessment of the war.
Hegseth has already faced pressure from Congress
Questions about Hegseth’s leadership have extended beyond the White House.
The defense secretary has faced criticism from lawmakers in both major political parties, with several prominent figures publicly calling for his removal.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie, Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Republican Senator Thom Tillis have all expressed support for removing Hegseth from office, according to the reporting.
His leadership has also attracted attention following a series of dismissals involving senior military officers.
Nearly two dozen high-ranking generals have reportedly been removed during his tenure, with the administration’s approach to military leadership drawing criticism.
Among the latest cases mentioned in the report is Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, who was reportedly dismissed following allegations involving leaks to the media.
The Pentagon has defended its personnel decisions as part of efforts to ensure military leaders support the administration’s objectives.
