Former Vice President Mike Pence defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid criticism of his management style and decision to pause military aid to Ukraine without President Trump’s ...

Donald Trump’s Pentagon chief moderated his stance to get the job but is now pushing for change in the name of high standards.

The North Carolina senator, who recently said he did not plan to run for re-election, said the defense secretary’s decisions have been amateurish and show he is unfit to lead a large organization.

Hegseth speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon on June 26, 2025. (Andrew Harnik / ) Pete Hegseth, the defense ...