Story perspectives

Hegseth’s Iowa visit spotlights Iran war, low approval

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Iowa on August 17, 2026, at Rep. Zach Nunn’s event, signaling his ambition to run.
A CNN poll in late July 2026 gave the Iran war Hegseth backs only 28 percent approval.
Legal experts called Hegseth’s alleged “kill-them-all” orders on Caribbean narcotrafficking boats crimes against humanity.
The New Yorker reported in November 2024 that Hegseth was removed from Concerned Veterans for America for repeated drunkenness.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Iowa on August 17, 2026, at Rep. Zach Nunn’s event, signaling his ambition to run.
A CNN poll in late July 2026 gave the Iran war Hegseth backs only 28 percent approval.
Legal experts called Hegseth’s alleged “kill-them-all” orders on Caribbean narcotrafficking boats crimes against humanity.
The New Yorker reported in November 2024 that Hegseth was removed from Concerned Veterans for America for repeated drunkenness.