National Security Adviser Mike Waltz reiterated the Trump administration’s strong backing of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, expressing pride in his leadership during the early months of his tenure despite a series of controversies and high-profile resignations within the Pentagon.
During an interview, Waltz was asked about the alleged dysfunction within the upper ranks of the Pentagon and whether the current department could effectively manage key foreign policy challenges, such as facilitating a peace agreement in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In response to concerns about the Pentagon’s ability to function effectively amidst claims of chaos, including recent dismissals of Hegseth’s top aides and reports of polygraph threats to staff, Waltz dismissed these claims as exaggerated. “I’ll tell you about a weakened Pentagon,” Waltz remarked. “That was one with a Defense Secretary who disappeared for two weeks just last year, and nobody knew about it.”
He contrasted Hegseth’s leadership style with that of his predecessor, praising Hegseth for his proactive approach and commitment to reforming the Pentagon. “He is leading the charge, and he has no tolerance for leaking,” Waltz added, brushing aside reports of dysfunction as a “media narrative” that the administration is determined to overcome.
Waltz also downplayed concerns regarding the departure of several senior Pentagon officials, including Hegseth’s own chief of staff, Joe Kasper, stating, “There are 20,000 people in the Pentagon. We have a record number of generals, and there is accountability.” He emphasized that the new leadership was holding individuals accountable for underperformance, an approach he claimed was a stark departure from the previous culture where such accountability was often lacking.
The recent reshuffling of senior officials and the ongoing controversy surrounding Hegseth’s leadership have prompted some critics to call for an investigation into his management. However, Waltz maintained that such characterizations of dysfunction were unfounded. “Whether it’s leaks, failures in procurement, or not getting the job done, now there is a leader in charge,” he stated.
Waltz’s comments come amid growing scrutiny of Hegseth’s role, including his involvement in a military discussion group regarding a planned strike against the Houthis and the recent firing of multiple top aides. Some former officials have criticized the departures, describing them as puzzling and concerning.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the White House has continued to express support for Hegseth. Both Vice President JD Vance and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have dismissed rumors of a potential replacement, with Leavitt describing recent negative reports as part of a “smear campaign” against the Secretary. “The president stands firmly behind Secretary Hegseth and the changes he is implementing,” Leavitt affirmed.
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