Donald Trump breaks silence on Pete Hegseth, confesses to reprimanding the U.S Defense Secretary; here's what he told him

US President Donald Trump has admitted for the first time that he personally had to give Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth a stern talk behind the scenes, amid intensifying controversy in the Pentagon and demands for Hegseth's resignation, as per a report.

Donald Trump Finally Speaks Out About Pete Hegseth

In an interview with The Atlantic, Trump confessed that “I had a talk with him, a positive talk, but I had a talk with him,” quoted DailyBeast.

However, the US president did not reveal details of what they spoke about, but stressed that he still supports Hegseth, as per the Independent. Trump even emphasized that “I think he’s gonna get it together,” as quoted in the report.


In The Atlantic interview, Trump also told his staff, “Maybe don’t use Signal, OK?” quoted DailyBeast.

This remark is the first time the US president has acknowledged Hegseth’s struggles as defence secretary and indicated the mounting frustration behind the scenes, despite his public display of confidence, reported DailyBeast.

Meanwhile, Hegseth has been urged to resign, including by at least one Republican Congressman, as there are increasing doubts about whether he is the right person to lead the department, as per the report.

Even though, Trump has publically defended Hegseth, after a report on Easter Sunday said that the defence secretary had texted details on the Yemen airstrikes to his wife, brother, and personal attorney on a Signal group chat, according to DailyBeast.

Donald Trump’s Private Frustration Revealed

However, NBC News reported, citing a US official, that Trump had called Hegseth to scold him for messaging the military plans to his wife Jennifer Rauchet, who does not hold an official position within the government, slamming it as a childish move, as per DailyBeast.

FAQs

What did Trump say about Pete Hegseth?
He admitted for the first time that he had a serious conversation with Hegseth about his recent actions.

Why is Hegseth under fire?
He reportedly texted classified military information to family and a personal lawyer using Signal.