Hegseth’s Qualifications Come Under Question
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Republicans are standing by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, even as behind-the-scenes concerns grow over his leadership during a turbulent moment for the Trump administration’s national security team.
The surprise resignation of National Security Adviser Mike Waltz this week has triggered a ripple effect through the Pentagon, sparking new questions about stability, military readiness, and the future direction of U.S. defense policy.
Waltz Out, Rubio In: Trump Reshapes National Security Team
President Donald Trump wasted no time naming a replacement: Waltz is now nominated as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been given the additional role of national security adviser—a bold reshuffling of Trump’s inner circle.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) praised Waltz’s steady hand, calling his departure “disappointing,” while Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) echoed that sentiment, describing Waltz as “a good man” who brought stability to a high-pressure role.
But it’s Defense Secretary Hegseth who now finds himself in the crosshairs of internal scrutiny.
Mounting Pressure on Hegseth: Missteps and Management Issues
Multiple GOP senators have quietly expressed frustration over Hegseth’s management style and staffing decisions. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with the “right team,” suggesting Hegseth’s inner circle has failed to meet expectations.
Just weeks ago, three senior Pentagon staffers—Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll, and Darin Selnick—were dismissed in a high-profile shake-up that raised serious concerns among military insiders and lawmakers alike.
Adding fuel to the fire, Hegseth reportedly shared classified details about an upcoming U.S. strike on Houthi rebels via the encrypted app Signal—with recipients including his wife, brother, and personal attorney. While two of them have formal roles within the Defense Department, his wife does not. Her frequent presence on official trips and in high-level meetings has raised eyebrows in Washington.
White House Tensions: “Distractions Won’t Be Tolerated”
One Republican senator, speaking off the record, hinted that Hegseth may be next to go: “It’s not about personal dislike. It’s about mismanagement and unnecessary distractions—something President Trump has far less tolerance for in his second term.”
This comes after Hegseth’s confirmation barely cleared the Senate. His nomination was only secured after Vice President J.D. Vance broke a tie, following opposition from Republican Senators Collins (ME), Murkowski (AK), and McConnell (KY).
Senator Tillis, who was previously undecided, only backed Hegseth after the nominee addressed personal misconduct allegations in writing.
Now, Tillis says he’s waiting on the results of an Inspector General investigation into Hegseth’s handling of classified communications. “It’s a wait-and-see moment,” he said, citing concern over recent staff departures and operational confusion.
Republicans Split: Confidence or Containment?
Some Republican leaders remain loyal. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), chair of the Armed Services Committee, said, “I still support Secretary Hegseth. But I welcome the staff changes—he needed better people around him.”
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), a member of the Intelligence Committee, called the Waltz exit “a major shake-up” that could lead to bigger structural changes within the Department of Defense.
The controversy surrounding the use of Signal for sensitive discussions deepened when Waltz mistakenly added a national journalist to the chat thread—exposing critical strike details ahead of time. That misstep lit a firestorm in the press and gave Democrats new ammunition.
Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, blasted Hegseth from the Senate floor: “He has undermined our military’s discipline and distracted from its warfighting mission.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) went further: “Mike Waltz became the fall guy. The one who really needs to go is the secretary of Defense.”
The Bottom Line: Trump’s Loyalty May Be Tested
So far, President Trump has not indicated any plans to replace Hegseth. But with the spotlight growing hotter, and national security at the forefront of voters’ minds, the pressure is real.
As the administration moves past its first 100 days, all eyes are on whether Trump’s top defense official can stabilize the Pentagon—or whether a fresh name is waiting in the wings.
