Defense Secretary
Coverage of Defense Secretary in the Nexus archive.
- Hegseth Campaigns for Republican Zach Nunn in Iowa
Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary, appeared with Zach Nunn at the Iowa State Fair on Monday. During this visit, Hegseth campaigned for Representative Zach Nunn.
- GOP senators warn confidence in Hegseth eroding as Iran war drags on
Republican senators are expressing declining confidence in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's leadership as the war with Iran continues without resolution. They highlight that the success of a potential 'massive attack' against Iran could be crucial for maintaining support for the conflict.
- Navy says it will no longer release sailors' service history, another restriction on press access
The U.S. Navy will no longer release sailors' service history, expanding restrictions on press access driven by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The policy, cited as a response to security threats and harassment, removes public information about sailors' assignments, awards, and units, complicating media reporting on military personnel involved in news events.
- Hegseth Estimates Iran War Has Cost $37.5 Billion
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth estimates the Iran war has cost $37.5 billion. He stated this is a new request based on new realities of the current global situation.
- Burnham cuts VAT on household electricity bills; UK borrows less than expected in June – business live
The UK chancellor cuts VAT on household electricity bills, while the UK borrows less than expected in June. The FTSE 100 index opens 0.3% lower, but defense stocks like Babcock International and BAE Systems rise due to a former defense secretary's new role.
- Pentagon proposes new secrecy power to withhold unclassified records from FOIA
The Pentagon has proposed a legislative measure enabling the defense secretary to withhold 'controlled unclassified information' from public access under FOIA. This could restrict transparency by limiting access to various defense records labeled with this classification.
- Hegseth announces new policy to test troops for low testosterone
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new annual screening program for testosterone deficiency among troops 30 and older, with younger troops able to volunteer. The policy aims to ensure troops remain 'strong, resilient, and capable,' though the Pentagon did not provide research backing. The move aligns with broader Trump administration efforts to expand access to testosterone replacement therapies, despite medical experts' concerns.
- Trump’s National Guard Deployment in Washington Expands Ahead of Holiday
Trump’s National Guard deployment in Washington is expanding ahead of a holiday. A ceremony with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was held in Washington on Thursday.
- Gen. Christopher Donahue relinquishes command of US Army Europe and Africa
Gen. Christopher Donahue relinquished command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa after an 18-month tenure, with Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie named as acting commander. The Army has not disclosed the reason for the leadership change, which occurs amid broader Pentagon leadership shifts under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Donahue, who oversaw the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, praised the team during his departure.
- Kaine says Hegseth ‘grudge’ against Army looks ‘personal’
Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of holding a grudge against the Army, suggesting Hegseth's ouster of Gen. Chris Donahue is part of a pattern of targeting the Army and promoting yes-men.
- Top Army general who was last US soldier to leave Afghanistan is suddenly leaving his post
Gen. Christopher Donahue, last U.S. soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021, is unexpectedly leaving his post as commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa after 18 months. His departure aligns with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's efforts to reduce top military leadership. Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie will temporarily assume his duties.
- Senate targets Hegseth’s travel in standoff over apparent Iran school attack, boat strikes
The Senate is targeting defense secretary Hegseth's travel in a standoff related to an apparent Iran school attack and boat strikes. Lawmakers are increasing pressure on him to provide answers they've sought for months.
- Transcript: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 14, 2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth participated in an interview on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on June 14, 2026. The transcript of the interview was published as described in the title.
- Revealed: Healey's 'stand up row' with Reeves - and how Starmer's decision to back his Chancellor forced the defence secretary to quit
Healey and Reeves had a conflict, and Starmer's decision to back the Chancellor led the defense secretary to resign.
- John Healey: the ex-trade unionist who privately battled the Treasury
John Healey, described as an ex-trade unionist, faced challenges as defense secretary in securing increased military spending despite being considered for a caretaker prime minister role. His efforts did not meet the military's desired funding increase.
- Hegseth blocks promotion of several Navy officers to 1-star rank
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth blocked the promotions to one-star admirals of several senior Navy officers who had been selected for promotion by a board of officials.
- Iran war: US says ready to resume hostilities, Hegseth warns
The United States is 'more than capable' of resuming hostilities with Iran, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as a permanent ceasefire remains unresolved. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.
- Russia 'jams signals of RAF jet carrying the defence secretary' - knocking out its GPS for entire three-hour flight in latest terrifying incident
Russia is accused of jamming the GPS signals of an RAF jet carrying the UK defense secretary, disrupting navigation for three hours during the flight. The incident highlights concerns about electronic warfare and security threats.
- Mark Kelly slams Pete Hegseth at hearing: "The things you say matters"
Democratic Senator Mark Kelly criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, highlighting concerns over Hegseth's responses. The exchange centered on the impact of Hegseth's statements.
- Hegseth takes aim at Iran war critics during House testimony
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized Iran war critics during his first House testimony since the conflict began, claiming America's adversaries are on Capitol Hill. He testified under oath about the ongoing war with Iran.
- Six takeaways from Hegseth’s first hearing since Iran war started
House Democrats aggressively questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his first hearing since the Iran war began, focusing on his portrayal of the conflict and recent dismissals of top military officials. Republicans offered limited support, primarily endorsing Gen. Randy Goerge.
- Jeffries: Democrats working to ‘make sure’ Hegseth, Patel ‘are on their way out the door’
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated Democrats are working to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and FBI Director Kash Patel from the Trump administration, following the departures of former Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
- Hegseth compares media to Jewish biblical group that clashed with Jesus
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized the media's coverage of the Iran war as an 'endless stream of garbage,' comparing the Pentagon press corps to the Pharisees, a biblical Jewish group that frequently clashed with Jesus.
- By the numbers: US thrashed military targets in Iran, but some capabilities remain
The U.S. military claims to have destroyed over 80% of Iran's air defense systems and more than 90% of its regular navy fleet during weeks of conflict, though Iran retains some capabilities. A U.S. F-15E jet was shot down, indicating Tehran's ability to retaliate despite administration assertions of near-total destruction.