Pentagon faces ‘meltdown’ as Trump backs Hegseth amid second Signal chat storm

Pete Hegseth’s former spokesman said the Pentagon has been overwhelmed by staff drama and turnover in the initial months of the second Trump administration, calling it a “full-blown meltdown” that could cost the defence secretary his job.

The warning from John Ullyot, who resigned last week after briefly serving as Pentagon spokesman, followed statements by three top Defence Department officials who were reportedly fired amid an inquiry into leaks. They said they were not told what they were being investigated for or if there was even a leaks investigation at all.

US President Donald Trump “stands strongly” behind Hegseth, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday on Fox News.

“And this is what happens when the entire Pentagon is working against you and working against the monumental change that you are trying to implement.”

“Pete’s doing a great job. Everybody’s happy with him,” Trump said on Monday. Asked if he remained confident in Hegseth, Trump said: “Oh totally.”

“Ask the Houthis how he’s doing,” Trump said.