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GOP loses faith in Hegseth over Iran war and military firings: 'He's all over the place'

Hegseth defended the Iran campaign in a Senate hearing as Republican senators questioned his leadership and the war’s costs.

GOP loses faith in Hegseth over Iran war and military firings: 'He's all over the place'
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This article1 analysis · Oct 2, 2026
tl;dr

Republican senators voiced concern about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s handling of the Iran war and military leadership changes, with Thom Tillis saying he had lost confidence in Hegseth. Other lawmakers expressed concern about the conflict’s duration, cost and transparency, while some Republicans backed a more forceful approach.

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

Defense Secretary criticized for military firings and handling of the Iran war

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Thom Tillis
R · NC · SEN

Senator criticizing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

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

Senator who criticized the dismissal of Gen. Christopher Donahue

Mitch McConnell
R · KY · SEN

Senator mentioned in connection with his prolonged absence

Shelley Moore Capito
R · WV · SEN

Senator warning about public concern over the Iran war

Gary C. Peters
D · MI · SEN

Senator criticized by Hegseth during a Senate hearing

John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Senator who argued the United States could force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Joni Ernst
R · IA · SEN

Senator warning about public concern over the Iran war

Roger F. Wicker
R · MS · SEN

Senator who urged Hegseth to intensify strikes in Iran

ALSO MENTIONED  Christopher Donahue, Army commander whose dismissal Collins criticized

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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