Hegseth Faces GOP Revolt as 56% of Voters Disapprove Amid Pentagon Turmoil
Updated
Updated · CNN · Sep 3
Hegseth Faces GOP Revolt as 56% of Voters Disapprove Amid Pentagon Turmoil
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Sep 3
Summary
Dan Driscoll’s resignation as Army secretary has intensified scrutiny of Pete Hegseth, prompting retiring Republicans Thom Tillis and Don Bacon to say he should lose the defense secretary job.
Republican criticism now stretches beyond those calls: Mike Rogers demanded stability after Pentagon “churn,” Ken Calvert cited repeated disruptions, and earlier complaints hit Hegseth’s Ukraine comments, classified briefings and handling of military actions.
An inspector general report last year found Hegseth’s use of Signal for strike details could have jeopardized the Yemen mission and put U.S. troops at risk, adding to questions about his management and judgment.
Polls show the political damage widening: Quinnipiac put Hegseth at 56%-34% disapproval, while Marquette found a 46%-27% unfavorable rating and especially weak support among independents and even GOP-leaning voters.
Trump still says Hegseth is doing a “fantastic job,” but the accumulating controversies and the still-unpopular Iran war are pushing him deeper into embattled territory.