Why are US Republicans losing faith in War Secretary Pete Hegseth?

Republican support for US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is eroding amid multiple points of friction within the party. Senator Thom Tillis publicly stated his loss of confidence in Hegseth's leadership, characterizing him as scattered and prone to micromanagement, while noting concerns about his limited experience managing large organizations. The senator indicated that dissatisfaction extends beyond Capitol Hill into Pentagon circles, where military officials have reportedly expressed similar reservations about Hegseth's direction.

A central source of tension involves Hegseth's personnel decisions within the military hierarchy. His nomination of General Christopher LaNeve for US Army chief of staff drew objections from multiple Republican senators, including Iowa Senator Joni Ernst. LaNeve's appointment as acting chief in April—following Hegseth's unexplained firing of General Randy George—had already drawn criticism for insufficient experience. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker also questioned the nomination.

Additional friction has emerged over military operations and budget matters. Wicker and Democratic Senator Jack Reed previously sought clarification from Hegseth regarding the legal justification for strikes on Caribbean vessels that President Trump claimed were involved in drug trafficking, a request that went unanswered. Senator Mitch McConnell, chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, objected to portions of the Pentagon's 2027 budget request, including the proposed Golden Dome missile defense system modeled on Israel's Iron Dome, and raised concerns about the budget's procedural structure.