US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday reaffirmed his support for President Donald Trump’s military agenda, declaring that the Pentagon would not waver in pursuing its priorities while urging Congress to approve at least $350 billion in additional funding to bolster the nation’s military capabilities.
In a lengthy video message, Hegseth said the administration had transformed the Defense Department, which Trump has renamed the Department of War, by returning its focus to military readiness and combat capabilities.
“The next few months and years are critical for our department and our republic. This is about the president’s America First agenda. This is about our department’s peace through strength agenda,” Hegseth said.
He credited Trump with restoring what he described as the department’s core mission of warfighting, saying the administration had eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, dismissed military leaders it considered unsuccessful, strengthened global deterrence and increased military recruitment.
Hegseth urged lawmakers to approve a reconciliation package providing at least $350 billion in additional military funding, describing it as a generational investment necessary to maintain America’s military advantage.
“The Department of War must be funded to meet the moment right now. That includes a generational investment, a reconciliation bill of at least $350 billion, to keep this department, our country, way ahead in a dangerous world,” he said.
He called on every member of Congress to support the funding, arguing that military rebuilding must continue regardless of political disagreements over the administration’s policies.
“We need every vote from every patriotic member of Congress,” he said.
Hegseth also defended Trump’s military campaign against Iran, describing it as a “courageous and historic effort” that he believes will prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
He said the administration was determined to ensure that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon and would continue rebuilding American military capabilities under Trump’s leadership.
‘Didn’t work against President Trump, and it won’t work with me’
Hegseth also addressed Democratic efforts to impeach him, dismissing the allegations as political theater.
“They attack me, they attack us, because we are effective. It’s not going to work. We will not back down,” he said.
Comparing the effort to the two impeachment proceedings against Trump, he accused Democrats of using political investigations to undermine their opponents.
“Didn’t work against President Trump, and it won’t work with me,” he said.
NBC News reported Thursday that Trump has told some of his allies in recent days that he is considering replacing Hegseth.
The discussions come amid growing tensions between Hegseth and members of Congress from both parties over the administration’s military operations, transparency and Pentagon spending.
Trump, however, dismissed speculation about a potential leadership change Wednesday, telling reporters he was not planning to replace the Pentagon chief.
“No, he’s doing a very good job,” he said.
Hegseth has faced mounting criticism from lawmakers in both parties, with some questioning the administration’s handling of the war with Iran and demanding greater transparency about military operations and their financial costs.
Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a vocal Republican critic of the conflict, introduced a resolution in September seeking Hegseth’s impeachment.
Following the Nov. 3 midterm elections, Massie announced that he intends to force a House vote on the articles of impeachment as early as next week unless Hegseth resigns.
“There is one contingency in which I won’t reintroduce the articles of impeachment: Hegseth resigns,” he wrote on the US social media platform X.
The reported discussions about possible replacements add to uncertainty surrounding Hegseth’s future at the Pentagon, although Trump has publicly defended him and the White House has given no indication that a leadership change is imminent.