President Donald Trump is shutting down speculation about friction with Pete Hegseth. A new Truth Social post makes it clear the defense secretary still has the president’s backing.
Donald Trump defends Pete Hegseth in new Truth Social post
Donald Trump publicly threw his support behind Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday, rejecting reports that the two clashed over dwindling U.S. missile stockpiles during the ongoing Iran conflict. In a post on Truth Social, Trump dismissed the story as “false and completely unfounded,” adding that he is “extremely happy” with Hegseth’s performance.
Trump used the social media statement to praise Hegseth’s leadership rather than dwell on the reported disagreement. He credited the Pentagon chief with making “tremendous improvements,” highlighting military recruitment gains and the administration’s rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
The president also called Hegseth “highly respected within the Military” while accusing The Washington Post, which first reported the alleged Camp David clash, of publishing “fake reporting” that he described as “treasonous.”
The reported disagreement centered on concerns that the U.S. military has significantly depleted supplies of key long-range missiles and missile-defense interceptors during the war with Iran. According to the report, Trump sought answers after learning more about the extent of the shortages.
He has since insisted publicly that the U.S. still has “massive amounts” of munitions and said production is continuing at a high pace. In another Truth Social message, Trump warned that officials responsible for leaking information were being pursued and said authorities would seek “long term jail sentences.”
This is not the first time Trump has publicly rallied behind Hegseth. Speaking to reporters in late July, the president said the defense secretary had “done a great job.” Earlier in the year, Trump also recalled Hegseth urging military action against Iran, saying, “Let’s do it because you can’t let them have a nuclear weapon.” Days before this latest defense, Trump signed an executive order creating a military spouse commission chaired by Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer Rauchet (via The Hill).
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on Mandatory.
