US Republicans lose faith in Defense Secretary Hegseth

Republican confidence in US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is waning amid frustrations over the prolonged war with Iran and his overhaul of military leadership. Senator Thom Tillis said he has no confidence in Hegseth, citing micromanagement and inexperience. Other Republicans, including Senators Joni Ernst and Roger Wicker, have objected to Hegseth's nomination of General Christopher LaNeve as Army chief of staff, while Senator Mitch McConnell criticized the Pentagon's $1.5 trillion budget request and the administration's strained ties with NATO allies.