Pence Defends Trump Admin

Former Vice President Mike Pence is standing firm behind Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, offering a powerful defense as liberal media outlets and political insiders ramp up criticism of the Trump administration’s Pentagon leadership.

The backlash stems from reports that Hegseth, a decorated veteran and long-time America First advocate, temporarily paused military aid to Ukraine—allegedly without direct approval from President Donald Trump. Critics within the D.C. establishment were quick to pounce, but Pence isn’t backing down.

“Pete Hegseth has proudly worn the uniform of this country,” Pence told CNN. “He’s a patriot. I’ve known him for years, and the attacks on his leadership are simply unfair.”

Pence emphasized that under Trump and Hegseth, the U.S. military is exceeding recruitment goals across every branch—welcome news after years of declining numbers under weak leadership from previous administrations.

But not everyone is on board. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), who recently announced he won’t seek re-election after clashing with Trump over spending and taxes, hinted that he now regrets supporting Hegseth’s confirmation.

“Looking back, I think we may have been too generous in our assessment,” Tillis said, implying that Hegseth’s management style doesn’t fit the Pentagon’s enormous responsibilities. “Given what we now know, I’d reconsider that vote.”

Still, Pence stood firm in his support for Trump’s defense team. “I’m encouraged by the president’s leadership and his decisions at the Pentagon,” he said.

He also praised Trump’s recent bold military action, referring to last month’s precision airstrikes that targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. “Our airmen performed with incredible skill after President Trump made the courageous call to act. That’s real leadership—and America is safer because of it.”

As the 2024 campaign season intensifies, conservatives are rallying behind a commander-in-chief who isn’t afraid to make tough calls—and behind the strong, unapologetic leaders like Pete Hegseth who help get the job done.