The White House is reaffirming President Donald Trump’s full support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has faced growing criticism from lawmakers and media outlets over his recent reforms at the Pentagon.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday described the attacks on Hegseth as a "smear campaign," which she said is aimed at stopping the secretary’s efforts to bring “monumental change” to the Department of Defense.
“President Trump stands strongly behind Secretary Hegseth,” Leavitt told reporters during a press briefing. “He has full confidence in his leadership, his vision, and his determination to reform a deeply entrenched bureaucracy that for too long has resisted change.”
Hegseth, a former Army officer and Fox News commentator, was nominated by Trump in early 2024 to lead the Pentagon. His confirmation was one of the most contentious of Trump’s second term, with several Democratic senators and some moderate Republicans expressing concerns about his views on military culture, civilian leadership, and what critics called a politicized approach to defense policy.
Since taking office, Hegseth has launched a series of controversial reforms aimed at overhauling Pentagon operations. These include reducing what he calls “wasteful” administrative departments, increasing reliance on private contractors, and reorganizing leadership structures within the Department of Defense to speed up decision-making and “cut through red tape.”
He has also championed a return to what he describes as “traditional warfighting values,” advocating for more physical training requirements, changes to diversity and inclusion programs, and a renewed emphasis on battlefield readiness over what he views as “woke priorities.”
“We need a Pentagon that is focused on fighting and winning wars,” Hegseth said in a speech earlier this month. “Not managing social agendas or checking boxes.”
These remarks have drawn sharp criticism from veterans' organizations, advocacy groups, and a number of military experts who argue that the reforms risk undermining morale, alienating minority service members, and politicizing the armed forces.
In recent weeks, several media investigations have also raised questions about procurement decisions made under Hegseth’s leadership, particularly regarding contracts awarded to private training firms and defense consultants with ties to former Trump officials.
Some lawmakers have called for a congressional review of the Department’s current contracting procedures. Despite the growing controversy, the White House remains firmly behind Hegseth.
“This is exactly what happens when someone tries to take on the entrenched bureaucracy,” Leavitt said Tuesday. “They try to take him down because he’s challenging the status quo. But President Trump didn’t bring Pete Hegseth in to play it safe—he brought him in to clean house.”
The controversy has also sparked renewed debate in Congress about the role of civilian leadership at the Department of Defense and the boundaries between military policy and political ideology. Some Democrats argue that Hegseth’s agenda threatens to blur those lines.
“Secretary Hegseth is turning the Pentagon into a political laboratory,” said Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut. “We need a defense department that serves all Americans—not just one political base.”
Republicans have largely rallied around Hegseth, praising his commitment to defense modernization and saying his critics are simply uncomfortable with long-overdue reforms.
“Pete is doing what needs to be done,” said Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio. “He’s getting rid of the waste and putting warfighting first again.”
Others in the national security community are more cautious, warning that while some administrative reforms may be justified, the pace and tone of the changes could create instability within the department.
“Change is necessary, but it has to be done with care and consultation,” said retired General Mark Holcomb, a former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “Reform by shock and awe doesn’t always work, especially when it comes to our national defense.”
Hegseth has also drawn attention for his outspoken public appearances. He continues to appear on conservative media programs, where he defends his agenda and attacks what he calls the “deep state” within the Pentagon.
Some officials within the Department have privately expressed concern that morale among career civil servants and officers is deteriorating under what they view as a combative leadership style.
Still, many of Hegseth’s supporters argue that morale had already been weakened by years of indecision and bureaucratic sprawl, and that his efforts are necessary to restore pride and purpose within the armed forces.
In addition to administrative reforms, Hegseth has made a push for increased defense spending in strategic areas such as cybersecurity, drone warfare, and missile defense. He has also supported expanding U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific region in response to growing tensions with China.
“We have to stay ahead of our adversaries,” Hegseth said during a defense summit in early April. “That means thinking differently, acting decisively, and not getting bogged down in outdated systems.”
While some foreign policy analysts have praised the focus on modernization, they caution that internal divisions within the Pentagon could complicate implementation of new strategies.
“There’s a gap right now between the leadership’s vision and the internal culture,” said Dr. Laura Kim, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic Security. “Bridging that gap will be key if these reforms are going to succeed.”
Amid the controversy, Hegseth’s political profile has grown significantly. Some political commentators speculate that his high visibility and close relationship with Trump could set the stage for a future run for elected office or a continued role in conservative politics after Trump’s second term ends.
For now, however, the administration is focused on pushing back against criticism and consolidating support for Hegseth’s reforms.
“Pete Hegseth is exactly the kind of leader the Department of Defense needs right now,” said Leavitt. “He’s fearless, he’s principled, and he’s delivering results.”
Meanwhile, Democrats in the House and Senate are considering whether to pursue formal oversight hearings into the recent contract decisions under Hegseth’s leadership.
While no official investigation has been announced, several lawmakers have requested additional information from the Department regarding procurement processes and personnel changes.
“We’re not looking to score political points,” said Representative Eliza Waters of Illinois. “We just want to make sure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely, and that our defense department remains nonpartisan and professional.”
As the political battle over the Pentagon’s future intensifies, it remains to be seen whether Hegseth’s changes will stick—or if they will be reversed by a future administration.
For his part, Hegseth has said he is undeterred by the criticism and intends to continue pushing for reform.
“This isn’t about me,” he said in a recent interview. “It’s about making sure the greatest military in the world stays that way.”
