GOP senators say Hegseth's future relies on Trump's decision

Republican senators are increasingly frustrated with ongoing controversies surrounding the Pentagon and remain skeptical about Pete Hegseths leadership. However, they insist that the decision to keep him in the Cabinet ultimately rests with President Trump.

Many GOP lawmakers have avoided publicly criticizing Hegseth, mindful of Trumps strong support for him during his challenging Senate confirmation in January. At the same time, they have not fully endorsed him and are keeping a cautious distance from the growing controversies.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who provided the deciding vote for Hegseths confirmation on January 24, acknowledged that some of Hegseths actions as Defense Secretary were commendable, while others left him puzzled. Tillis criticized Hegseth for sharing sensitive military information via Signal, a commercial messaging app, in a chat that accidentally included a journalist. If classified information is shared outside proper channels with those without clearance, you have to take responsibility, Tillis said.

Tillis also highlighted concerns over Hegseths public statements dismissing a Washington Post report about a follow-up Navy missile strike on survivors of a suspected Venezuelan drug boat. White House officials later confirmed the strike occurred on September 2, but clarified that Hegseth did not explicitly order the killing of survivors. Navy Adm. Frank Bradley, overseeing the mission, confirmed Hegseth did not issue a kill everybody directive. Tillis emphasized the importance of accuracy before commenting publicly as Defense Secretary.

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who supported Hegseth in committee votes, described his tenure as bumpy. She noted that military leadership briefed senators on the follow-up strikes, which they deemed justified, but she withheld final judgment pending further review. Ernst expressed confidence in congressional oversight committees to evaluate Hegseths performance.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) broke with GOP colleagues by demanding Hegseth testify under oath regarding the orders behind the follow-up strikes. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also called for the release of relevant video footage and public testimony. If he withholds information, it raises questions about what is being hidden, Schumer said.

An anonymous Republican senator described mixed feelings within the party, noting both frustration with Hegseths leadership and support for some of his initiatives, such as increased military recruitment. The lawmaker pointed out that Hegseths aggressive actions, including renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, were unpopular with some colleagues.

Some senators expressed concern over Hegseth halting military aid to Ukraine without full presidential knowledge earlier this year, which Tillis called amateurish. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) avoided directly affirming confidence in Hegseth, emphasizing that the Defense Secretary serves at the presidents discretion and highlighting Trump-era policies as enhancing national security.

Thune acknowledged Hegseths Signal messaging controversy as a misstep but maintained it was ultimately a presidential decision whether he remains in office. Other Republicans deferred questions on Hegseths future to Trump, including Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), who said it is really a question for the president.

Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) condemned Hegseths use of Signal to share sensitive operational information, calling it a reckless disregard for the safety of American servicemembers, and noted that the inspector generals report confirmed the potential risks to personnel and missions.

Author: Caleb Jennings