President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a direct endorsement of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying he is pleased with Hegseth's work after media coverage suggested tensions between the two over munitions levels.
In social media posts, the president said he was "extremely happy with the job that Pete Hegseth is doing." He added that "everything has been extraordinary, including our attack on Venezuela" and referenced Iran as a country "where the country has been decimated."
The remarks followed a report from The Washington Post that said Trump had expressed frustration with Hegseth during a Cabinet meeting last week, raising concerns about shortages of munitions. That account said the president felt he had been misled about the extent of weapons stockpiles.
Trump rejected the account, stating that he did not share the frustrations described and pointed to an increase in defense industry activity. He said defense companies are building the largest number of plants and factories in the country's history, presenting that expansion as evidence of robust industrial response.
Separately, the president addressed the disclosure of the remarks, criticizing those who leaked internal discussions. He described the leaks as "treasonous" and said authorities are pursuing the individuals responsible. Trump also indicated that long-term jail sentences would be sought for those involved in leaking the statements.
The sequence of posts reiterated the president's position of support for his defense secretary while disputing the portrayal of a rift based on munitions availability. The public statements encompassed both a defense of the administration's actions and a vow to hold leakers accountable.
Summary of developments
The president affirmed his satisfaction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, denied reports that he had expressed frustration over weapons stockpiles, highlighted increased defense manufacturing activity, and announced that authorities are seeking those who leaked internal remarks.
Context noted in reporting
- The Washington Post reported that Trump expressed frustration at a Cabinet meeting last week over munitions shortages and said he felt misled about stockpile levels.
- Trump publicly denied that account and praised military actions and industrial expansion.
- The president called the leaks "treasonous" and said long-term jail sentences would be sought for leakers.