Overview
- New reporting says Pete Hegseth has brought his wife to Pentagon meetings as he narrows his inner circle after forcing out more than two dozen senior leaders.
- During marathon House and Senate hearings, he refused to explain key firings, touted progress in the Iran war, and labeled critics “reckless, feckless and defeatist.”
- Among the ousters, Navy Secretary John Phelan was removed after he warned lawmakers that Hegseth and Deputy Secretary Steve Feinberg were seizing control of Navy programs, with one official saying power has shifted from uniformed leaders to political appointees.
- Pentagon officials said the Iran campaign has cost about $25 billion and claimed 14 U.S. lives, as Hegseth pressed a 2027 budget near $1.5 trillion that expands forces, raises pay, and boosts weapons buys.
- Critics, including retired senior officers, question his fitness and warn the purge—reported to include a high share of Black and female officers—risks morale and cohesion, while scrutiny extends to trusted advisors brought into official roles.