Donald Trump publicly supported Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after reports surfaced that Hegseth shared details about U.S. missile strikes in Yemen in a Signal group chat that included family and Pentagon aides. Trump dismissed concerns about the leaks, attributing them to disgruntled former staff, and encouraged his team to defend Hegseth, who felt the story was a “hit piece.” Pressure for Hegseth’s resignation grew following critical comments from former aides and Republican congressman Don Bacon, who expressed concerns over Hegseth’s leadership and experience.
