Trump denies 'fake news' that he's unhappy with Hegseth

President Donald Trump on Thursday denied reports that he was dissatisfied with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth amid the failure of the administration to clinch a quick end to the Iran war.

"The Fake News, as usual, is spreading false and completely unfounded rumors. I am extremely happy with the job that Pete Hegseth is doing," he posted on Truth Social. "Everything has been extraordinary, including our attack on Venezuela, where the result was accomplished in less than one day, allowing us to bring one of the worst criminals anywhere in the World, Nicolas Maduro, to Justice!"

"Likewise, Iran, where the country has been decimated for the purpose of NOT ALLOWING IT TO EVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, is going very well!" he added. "Pete is highly respected within the Military, and has made tremendous improvements, including getting rid of DEI, and increasing recruitment to historic levels. This rumor was started by The Washington ComPost, one of the worst Media Outlets in the business, despite our telling them their story is completely FALSE. In actuality, I really believe their fake 'reporting' is treasonous!"

Hegseth has been in the crosshairs of left-wing critics of his social policies in the military and of right-wing critics over his prosecution of the Iran war.

The former Fox News media personality was an unconventional choice for the position and struggled to secure enough support for Senate confirmation.

Under his leadership, the Pentagon has pursued operations in Venezuela and across the Middle East, including against the Yemen-based Houthis and in the 2025 strikes on Iran.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.