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Pete Hegseth gives Trump impersonation to bash Biden-era military policy and rally for MAGA candidate in Kentucky

Hegseth campaigned for Gallrein, who is challenging Thomas Massie in Kentucky.

Pete Hegseth gives Trump impersonation to bash Biden-era military policy and rally for MAGA candidate in Kentucky
Image · The Independent

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Outlet credibilityThe Independent77/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
tl;dr

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth campaigned in Kentucky for Ed Gallrein, who is challenging Rep. Thomas Massie in a Republican primary, and criticized Massie for breaking with President Trump. Hegseth also argued that his appearance did not violate the Hatch Act.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
Ed Gallrein R · KY
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Gallrein in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Gallrein’s record.

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

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Republican House candidate supported by Hegseth at the rally

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Pete Hegseth
R · Secretary of Defense

Defense secretary who campaigned for Gallrein and criticized Massie

Hegseth's version of this story ↗
Thomas Massie
R · KY-4

Republican incumbent targeted by Hegseth’s campaign remarks

Massie's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose preferred candidate Hegseth supported

Representative criticized by Trump for campaigning with Massie

Marjorie Taylor Greene
Former U.S. Representative (R-GA)

Former representative described as having fallen out with Trump

Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

Louisiana senator who lost his primary

Julia Letlow
R · LA-5

Representative who won Cassidy’s primary

Former representative and Senate candidate who won Cassidy’s primary

Part of a bigger story

3 OUTLETS
Pete Hegseth Appears at Rally for Ed Gallrein

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth campaigned at a Kentucky rally for Ed Gallrein, who is challenging Rep. Thomas Massie. Left-leaning outlets frame the appearance as crossing the boundary between military service and politics and criticize Hegseth’s role. Center outlets emphasize the departure from Pentagon tradition and possible Hatch Act concerns.

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