‘Smart guy’: Trump says he stands by Pete Hegseth as defense secretary

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In a phone interview with NBC News, the president shot down speculation that he’s unhappy with Hegseth, saying he is “actually one of my best” officials.

Donald Trump speaks while sitting next to Pete Hegseth at the table.

There have been grumblings from Trump allies that Pete Hegseth may not be the best defense secretary during wartime, but the president is so far standing behind him.Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images file

Aug. 6, 2026, 8:39 PM EDT

By Peter Nicholas and Ryan Nobles

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump appears determined to stick with his defense secretary for the time being, despite the Iran war’s unpopularity and some Republican misgivings about Pete Hegseth’s leadership.

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