Trump Trolls Hegseth Over Recent Scandals

Trump Playfully Ribs Hegseth During Cabinet Meeting

President Donald Trump took a lighthearted jab at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, April 30, joking about the controversies surrounding him, the New York Post reported. 
"I could start with Pete on the left because he is my least controversial person at the table," Trump, 78, quipped with a sarcastic smile, patting Hegseth on the back. "We all know how good he is." Trump's playful comment seemed to downplay the recent challenges Hegseth has faced.
Here's what happened. 
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Hegseth Responds with Confidence

Without missing a beat, Pete Hegseth, 44, laughed along with the president and confidently responded, "I think we're controversial because we're over the target." He then pivoted to talking about the progress made under Donald Trump's second administration so far. 
"What we have seen since your election and the inauguration has been nothing short of a recruiting renaissance," Hegseth continued. "The men and women of America want to join the United States military led by President Donald Trump." 
Despite the challenges, Hegseth focused on highlighting positive accomplishments during Trump's first 100 days in office.

The Signalgate Controversy

In recent weeks, Pete Hegseth has faced scrutiny over two leaked Signal group chats. The first controversy, known as "Signalgate," occurred when national security adviser Mike Waltz set up a chat in which Hegseth posted detailed plans for an attack against the Houthis in mid-March. 
The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was inadvertently added to this chat. He later published the messages he received.
Adding to the drama, a second Signal chat emerged involving Hegseth's wife, brother and attorney, in which they allegedly discussed the Houthi strike. Hegseth defended the second chat as "informal" and "unclassified." 

The Pentagon, meanwhile, has been grappling with a series of high-profile departures including senior figures like Colin Carroll, Dan Caldwell and Darin Selnick, who were reportedly let go due to internal "turf wars" and a leak investigation. Hegseth's former chief of staff, Joe Kasper, was also part of the fallout, with some individuals speaking out about the issues on podcasts and media interviews.

Trump Continues to Support Hegseth

Despite the controversies surrounding Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump has consistently stood by his defense secretary. 
He recently told The Atlantic, "I think he's gonna get it together. I had a talk with him, a positive talk, but I had a talk with him." Trump's support for Hegseth amid the scandals has helped solidify his position in the administration.

Hegseth Highlights Pentagon Achievements

During the cabinet meeting, Pete Hegseth largely focused on the accomplishments achieved at the Pentagon during Donald Trump's first 100 days.
"Truly historic," he beamed as he discussed military recruitment and retention efforts under Trump's leadership. He emphasized the construction of the "Golden Dome" missile defense system, the development of the F-47 fighter jet and securing savings of $6 billion. 
Additionally, Hegseth touted efforts to raise combat standards, reinstate soldiers who had been discharged due to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate and assist in securing the U.S. border.
"We ripped wokeness out of the military," Hegseth proudly declared. "Because of your leadership, sir, I believe we're making the military great again," he continued, showering Trump with praise. 
Throughout the meeting, other members of Trump's cabinet echoed similar sentiments, applauding the president's leadership and achievements.