Hegseth under fire as wife's Pentagon role adds to war leadership questions | Gravitas
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US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his wife Jennifer Rauchet. Photograph: (AFP)
Pete Hegseth faces growing scrutiny over his leadership of the Iran war and his wife Jennifer Hegseth's reported involvement in sensitive Pentagon affairs.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has faced growing criticism over the prolonged war in Iran, mounting pressure on US troops and depleted weapon stockpiles. Now, scrutiny is also growing over the role of his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, and her reported influence inside the Pentagon.
Her role came under scrutiny last year after The Wall Street Journal reported that she attended two meetings where sensitive information was discussed.
In February 2025, Jennifer Hegseth was reportedly present at a meeting with NATO defence ministers after the US decided to cut off military intelligence sharing with Ukraine. She was also reportedly present at a March 6 meeting involving then UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Britain's military chief. Her presence drew attention because she is not a formal employee of the US Department of War.
Reports also said she was part of a Signal group chat where sensitive military operations were discussed. In one instance, Hegseth reportedly shared specific details about when US forces would strike Houthi targets in Yemen on March 15, 2025.
Jennifer Hegseth has also been described in reports as a de facto producer at the Pentagon. She is believed to have attended her husband's meetings with journalists, interviewed potential staff members and helped develop ideas for department videos. Reports further suggested that she played a key role in efforts to restrict reporters' access to the Pentagon.
Jennifer Hegseth has around three decades of experience in media and previously developed and ran several shows for Fox News. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump appointed her to lead the President's Military Spouse Commission, which focuses on issues affecting service members and their families.
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Her reported involvement in Pentagon affairs has drawn criticism from some former officials. Former Pentagon chief spokesperson John Ullyot, who left his position last year, expressed disbelief that Hegseth allegedly involved his wife in sensitive official duties without facing consequences.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, however, defended her involvement, describing her as a "vital asset" and "force multiplier". He also indicated that the Pentagon intends to involve her more closely in the future.
The controversy comes as Hegseth faces separate criticism over the reported condition of US troops. Reports have claimed that sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln were running short of food, toothpaste and soap, with some allegedly attempting to jump overboard. Hegseth has denied those reports.
With questions now surrounding both his wartime leadership and his wife's reported Pentagon influence, scrutiny of the US defence secretary is likely to continue.
