President Trump used a Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to publicly commend Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, drawing applause from the gathered crowd. Trump singled out Hegseth, saying, “He’s done a fantastic job, and he loves you and protects you. He’s all about you.”
Trump also acknowledged first lady Melania Trump, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Cane, and several Cabinet members and veterans’ organization representatives. But it was Hegseth who received the most enthusiastic response from the audience.
The president’s shout-out came just days after Hegseth survived an impeachment vote in the House. Republicans, with the exception of Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), united to block the resolution. Massie had forced the vote by introducing eight articles of impeachment, accusing Hegseth of violating the Constitution and other laws during military operations involving Iran and the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The vote was 211-204, with all Democrats voting to allow a floor vote on Hegseth’s impeachment. However, 11 Democratic caucus members missed the vote entirely, underscoring some internal disarray within the party.
During the impeachment proceedings, Trump, Vice President Vance, and other top officials defended Hegseth and criticized Massie. Stephen Miller, the new chief of staff, is also seen as a Hegseth ally.
Hegseth dismissed the impeachment effort as a political stunt. “It’s a farce, and it’s a stunt, and everybody knows it,” he said during a rare press briefing on Tuesday. He added, “In the 250 years of our American republic, no secretary of War — or secretary of Defense — has ever been impeached for carrying out lawful military operations, and in our case, successful ones at that.”
The episode highlights the ongoing political battles surrounding the administration’s defense policies and the loyalty Trump commands among Republicans. As Democrats warn that Hegseth’s tenure is nearing an end, the White House continues to project confidence in its defense secretary.
