Iran’s Loss Is Pete Hegseth’s Gain: How US Strikes Boost Defence Secretary’s MAGA Image

Last Updated:June 22, 2025, 16:49 IST

Quoting US President Donald Trump’s clip on the Iran strikes, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X: “Bless our brave Service Members.”

Pete Hegseth is being lauded for the secrecy before the Iran strikes. (AP File)

Apart from the twist it has added to the ongoing Israel-Iran war, the United States’ strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites have led to another advantage – a much-needed turnaround for US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

While Hegseth was under fire after the recent ‘Signalgate’, the Iran strikes have renewed support for him among the ‘MAGA’ brigade.

Quoting US President Donald Trump’s clip on the Iran strikes, Hegseth wrote on X: “Bless our brave Service Members."

WHAT WAS SIGNALGATE?

In April, Hegseth faced mounting pressure to quit after the leak of the first Signal group chat, in which The Atlantic journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added, revealing sensitive war plans. Hegseth was mired in row after it was revealed that he shared detailed Houthi/Yemen war-strike plans via an unsecured Signal group that included his wife, brother and personal attorney.

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His adviser Dan Caldwell was ousted during the probe. The Pentagon said that no classified information was compromised.

However, critics in the Congress such as Senators Charles Schumer and Tammy Duckworth publicly called for his resignation.

WHAT WAS TRUMP’S REACTION?

US President Donald Trump had defended Hegseth, calling it a “witch hunt". Hegseth had blamed “disgruntled former employees" and the media, accusing them of attempting to ruin his reputation.

HOW IT WILL HELP HEGSETH

MAGA figures like Charlie Kirk, Dan Bongino, and Sen. Marsha Blackburn have emerged as strong advocates, urging GOP senators to confirm Hegseth.

John Cardillo wrote on X: “Precision strike. No leaks. No US casualties. Never again say that Hegseth wasn’t the right guy to lead the DOD."

Congressman Michael Baumgartner wrote on X: “Certainly worth noting the impressive operational secrecy and execution from our military leadership and forces. This is a scenario that has been rehearsed for a long time, but it was still a challenging feat to pull off. May God Bless & Protect Our Troops."

Nick Sortor on X applauded Hegseth for the “blackout on information". “FOX PENTAGON REPORTER: “In my 18 years at the Pentagon, I’ve never seen such operational security. There were NO LEAKS. NOBODY speaking about this. A complete blackout on information about Iran at the Pentagon for the last few days. GREAT JOB, @SecDef Hegseth!"

Michael V Pearce posted on X: “Fox News Jennifer Griffin: “18 years since I’ve been at the Pentagon, I’ve never seen such operational security. There was nobody speaking about this….There was a complete lockdown, almost a blackout of information…There were no leaks." Kudos to @SecDef Hegseth."

Eric Daugherty, too, lauded Hegseth.

MAGA Voice handle posted on X: “Zero leaks. Zero idea of Donald Trump’s plan. Huge shoutout to Pete Hegseth. Great Job."

US STRIKES ON HOUTHIS

Since March, the US military hit more than 1,000 Houthi-controlled sites, responding to the group’s increased attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthis have said their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians who are grappling with Israeli onslaught in Gaza. Despite Iran’s repeated claims that the Houthis operate independently, US officials continue to cite evidence of Tehran’s involvement through lethal support, military aid, and strategic direction.

On April 20, the US forces conducted a series of airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas, including the capital Sanaa and the Red Sea port city of Hodeida, with reports indicating over 70 deaths from a prior strike in the same region. On April 28, a US airstrike targeted Yemen’s Saada governorate, a known Houthi stronghold. At least 68 people were killed and 47 others injured in the strike, which reportedly hit a facility housing around 100 African migrants, including Ethiopians, Reuters reported.

Hegseth had then launched a tirade against Iran for its “lethal support" to Yemen’s Houthi rebels and warned of “consequences". He had written on X: “Message to IRAN: We see your lethal support to The Houthis."

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