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◆ Mixed look for TillisForeign PolicyDefense / Military

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

Tillis said Hegseth’s military firings and management had led him to lose confidence in the defense secretary.

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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Thom Tillis R · NC · SEN
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Thom Tillis
R · NC · SEN

Senator criticizing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Pete Hegseth
R · Secretary of Defense

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

Hegseth'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 No Longer Has Confidence in Pete Hegseth

Tillis said he had lost confidence in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the Iran war continued. Left-leaning outlets foreground broader Republican unease over Hegseth's leadership, including criticism beyond Tillis's own statement. Center outlets focus on Tillis's criticism while also including official responses and other Republican views on the war.

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