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Pete Hegseth Has 'Lost My Confidence,' Thom Tillis Says as Republicans Warn Pentagon Leadership Is Failin

Tillis criticized Hegseth’s leadership as lawmakers questioned the Iran war’s costs and endgame.

Pete Hegseth Has 'Lost My Confidence,' Thom Tillis Says as Republicans Warn Pentagon Leadership Is Failin
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This article1 analysis · Oct 2, 2026
Benzinga
Jul 28, 2026
tl;dr

Sen. Thom Tillis said he has lost confidence in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, criticizing his Pentagon leadership as the Iran war strains military resources and lawmakers seek clarity on its strategy and costs.

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Pete Hegseth R · Secretary of Defense
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Pete Hegseth
R · Secretary of Defense

Defense secretary criticized over Pentagon leadership and the war’s strategy

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Thom Tillis
R · NC · SEN

Senator criticizing Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon leadership

Tillis's version of this story ↗
Susan M. Collins
R · ME · SEN

Senator seeking more information about the war’s strategy and endgame

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whom Wicker urged to finish the military campaign

John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Senator advocating a show of U.S. military strength and reopening Hormuz

Roger F. Wicker
R · MS · SEN

Senator urging Trump to continue the military campaign

Part of a bigger story

4 OUTLETS
Thom Tillis Says He Lost Confidence in Pete Hegseth

Thom Tillis said he had lost confidence in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as senators questioned his leadership while the Iran war continued. Coverage also reports concerns about Pentagon leadership and military changes. Left-leaning outlets frame the story as growing Republican doubts about Hegseth, emphasizing leadership changes, costs and strategy. Center outlets place Tillis’s criticism in a broader debate over Pentagon management, including criticism of personnel decisions and official responses.

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