Defense Secretary

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Healey and Reeves had a conflict, and Starmer's decision to back the Chancellor led the defense secretary to resign.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.