Senator John Kennedy Defends Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on “Meet the Press”

Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” when host Kristen Welker asked whether he still trusted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after fellow Republican Sen. Thom Tillis renewed a call for Hegseth’s removal. Kennedy responded that he had voted for Hegseth’s confirmation and would likely do so again unless presented with evidence to the contrary. He said it was not his role to express confidence in the secretary, noted that Hegseth appeared to be dismissing many competent officials, and emphasized that he was not concerned with personalities. Kennedy also argued that the United States needed additional ammunition and increased military funding in light of the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Sen. John Kennedy Tells Kristen Welker He’d ‘Vote for Him Again’ and Won’t Throw Pete Hegseth ‘Under the Bus’ Over GOP Firing Calls Raw Story

Sen. Tillis’s statements were posted on X and framed as part of a broader Republican push to replace Hegseth amid concerns that experienced officials were leaving the Pentagon during heightened tensions with Iran.

Sen. John Kennedy Tells Kristen Welker He’d ‘Vote for Him Again’ and Won’t Throw Pete Hegseth ‘Under the Bus’ Over GOP Firing Calls

Viewers of the interview posted mixed reactions. Some praised Kennedy for standing by Hegseth and characterizing the question as a political trap, while others accused Kennedy of evading a direct answer. A segment of commenters lauded Hegseth’s performance, describing him as a “soldier’s soldier,” whereas a smaller group labeled Kennedy a “RINO snake.” The exchange has become a focal point in the larger debate over Hegseth’s standing within the Department of Defense.

Sen. John Kennedy Tells Kristen Welker He’d ‘Vote for Him Again’ and Won’t Throw Pete Hegseth ‘Under the Bus’ Over GOP Firing Calls

Kennedy’s interview constituted his primary public response, reiterating his prior vote of confidence and framing any potential change as contingent on new evidence. Tillis’s earlier X post remains the principal Republican call for Hegseth’s dismissal, positioning the issue within the context of the administration’s handling of the Iran conflict and broader defense staffing concerns.

Sen. John Kennedy Tells Kristen Welker He’d ‘Vote for Him Again’ and Won’t Throw Pete Hegseth ‘Under the Bus’ Over GOP Firing Calls