Growing Republican Criticism Surrounds Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing increased criticism from Republicans in Congress. A recent Marquette Law School poll reveals a decline in his favorability among U.S. adults. This comes amid mounting scrutiny over his management of the conflict with Iran.

Senators Express Concern

Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina has openly stated that he has “lost confidence” in Hegseth, citing forced retirements of key military leaders and allegations of micromanagement at the Pentagon. Similarly, Maine Senator Susan Collins, chairing the Appropriations Committee, referred to the departure of senior military personnel as “deeply troubling.” Other senators, including Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia and Joni Ernst from Iowa, have cautioned Hegseth that the public’s patience regarding the unresolved conflict is diminishing.

Declining Public Support

Hegseth’s standing in public polls has weakened. A Marquette Law School poll conducted in late July shows Hegseth tied with former President Trump for the lowest net favorability among assessed administration figures. Hegseth holds a 23 percent favorable rating, with a 45 percent unfavorable rating. Notably, 32 percent of respondents remain unfamiliar with him, despite his tenure at the Pentagon during the Iran conflict.

An earlier May poll indicated stronger Republican support for Hegseth, with a net favorability of plus 36 points, marking 55 percent favorable against 19 percent unfavorable. Despite this, he ranked lowest among four examined Republican figures. An update on Republican-only favorability ratings is awaited from Marquette.

Issues of Munitions Shortages

Shifts in polling view coincide with a Washington Post report detailing Trump’s frustration over the war during a Camp David meeting. At the meeting, Trump allegedly confronted Hegseth about munitions shortages that limited military actions against Iran. Hegseth reportedly attributed the issue to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg for not adequately informing Trump.

The White House disputed the report. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the account “100% fake news.” Trump asserted on Truth Social that the U.S. munitions supply remains substantial, with ongoing manufacturing and deployment. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell supported Hegseth, stating he had not misled anyone, and did not cast blame on Feinberg.

Continued Republican Criticism

The criticism is part of ongoing Republican dissatisfaction with Hegseth’s handling of the Iran war, now six months in. Previously, in May, Senator Tillis had voiced reservations about Hegseth’s leadership approach, following rumors that General Chris Donahue could be sidelined amidst Pentagon restructuring. Tillis urged Hegseth to rely on seasoned military advisers instead of compliant subordinates.

Since the onset of the war on February 28, the military has exhausted significant portions of its munitions inventory. Reports indicate the U.S. deployed over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles and more than 1,000 air-defense interceptors in the initial month, along with over 1,300 tactical ballistic missiles, leaving stocks depleted. In response, Hegseth, Feinberg, and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine have requested $67 billion from Congress to restore stockpiles. Senate Republicans have not yet responded to this funding appeal.