Asger Risom
Donald Trump called Pete Hegseth “War Secretary,” a title scrapped in 1947. The move, based on a misread TV segment, stirred curiosity and criticism.
Donald Trump called Pete Hegseth “War Secretary,” a title scrapped in 1947. The move, based on a misread TV segment, stirred curiosity and criticism.
“War Secretary” Reenters the Lexicon
Trump praised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth using the outdated title “War Secretary,” last used before the Pentagon’s 1947 reorganization.
Misreading a Fox News Clip
Trump believed Hegseth had appeared live on Fox News, but the network only aired a pre-recorded promo video on drone strategy.
“He Was Great on Fox!”
Trump posted that Hegseth “was great on FoxNews this morning,” crediting him with commentary he didn’t actually deliver live.
A Title from a Different Era
“War Secretary” was the official title until 1947. Trump’s use of it echoed wartime language and either hinted at a return to more combative framing or possible mental confusion.
NATO Stage Revival
At a NATO summit, Trump referred to Hegseth as “War Secretary” again, calling it “what it used to be” and suggesting a temporary revival.
Questioning “Defense” Framing
Trump argued that “Defense Secretary” sounds too passive, suggesting the older title better reflects America’s current military posture.
Metallica and Drone Warfare
The Fox segment featured a drone delivering documents to Hegseth, set to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman”—a theatrical promo, not a live appearance.
Context: U.S.–Iran Tensions
Trump’s remarks followed U.S. airstrikes on Iranian sites, lending gravity to his language and making the “warrior” framing more pointed.
