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Pete Hegseth Talks Tough as GOP Doubts Grow

September 30, 2026 · 7:39 pm ET · Leave a Comment

“Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has survived in office by projecting an image of strength,” the New York Times reports.

“His combative style has won praise from President Trump and support from the Republican base. ‘He loves war,’ Mr. Trump said earlier this year, slapping Mr. Hegseth on the biceps.”

“By many measures, though, Mr. Hegseth has never been weaker. He is leading the military through an unpopular war. Republicans in Congress complain privately — and increasingly in public — that he and his staff are dismissive of their questions and frequently unprepared for briefings.”

“If Democrats win a majority in the House, Mr. Hegseth will likely face new calls for his impeachment.”

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Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire -- which for more than two decades has been one of the nation's most influential political news sites.

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