The Role of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Trump Administration

Democracy Dies in Darkness

The current defense secretary stands as a key figure within the Trump administration. As of September 30, 2026, Pete Hegseth has emerged as the most influential official in President Trump’s circle.

Photograph by Jacquelyn Martin on September 24 at the White House.

The magazine Foreign Policy provides varied perspectives on global affairs impacting nations and the world. The author Emma Ashford reflects on her predictions regarding the direction of U.S. President Donald Trump’s foreign policy and acknowledges some errors made along the way.

Ashford notes her initial belief, shared by many in Washington, that the U.S. might enter a new phase of tension with China. She admits to a greater misjudgment last year when she conveyed to a journalist that President Trump likely did not seek war with Iran. This error has since led her to reevaluate her perceptions not only of Trump’s approach to Iran but also of his overall decision-making processes.