How Does Trump Feel About Pete Hegseth Now?

Playbook: “It’s very hard to see him firing Hegseth over these latest revelations, given how much he hates being seen to bend to media pressure (as he would see it) and given the latitude already offered to Hegseth for previous transgressions. But it’ll be a nervous wait for the defense secretary before that all-important first Truth Social post of the morning.”

Key point: “What we’re witnessing is one of Trump’s more eccentric top officials once again derailing the White House’s core messaging…”

“The White House believes it finally got its messaging back on track last week, with seven full days spent talking about illegal migration (and, indeed, illegal deportation). … But all that will grind to a halt if the Hegseth revelations keep coming.”