Defense SecretaryPete Hegseth listens to President Donald Trump speak as during an observance ceremony on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, on September 11, 2026, at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.
Mark Schiefelbein/AP
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Deep into President Donald Trump’s news conference Monday, it became obvious why he’s so adamant in backing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid an impeachment storm.

Ultimately, Trump is defending himself.

To jettison the former Fox News anchor now would be to admit that the Iran war — of which Hegseth is the administration’s most vehement proponent — was a mistake. A sacking would also undermine Trump’s attempt to recast what is at best an inconclusive military adventure and at worst a strategic disaster.