Trump backs Hegseth as pressure grows over Pentagon role
President Donald Trump defended Secretary of War Pete Hegseth amid calls for his resignation and impeachment, praising his performance and backing US military operations in Iran and Venezuela. Trump dismissed criticism of Hegseth, calling him "woke" opposition and citing operations in Venezuela and Iran as evidence of Pentagon success. He claimed the Venezuela operation took 48 minutes without American fatalities and said Iran could take decades to recover. Pressure on Hegseth follows Republican losses in the November 3 midterm elections, which are expected to strengthen Democratic oversight. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie said he would drop impeachment articles if Hegseth resigns, while Democratic Congressman Jason Crow demanded his removal.