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Live updates: Hegseth blasts European allies, media at press conference; Mullin nomination advances

What happened

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used Pentagon press briefings to criticize media coverage of the Iran war and blast European allies as "ungrateful." He defended a $200 billion war funding request, saying "it takes money to kill bad guys," while claiming news outlets report negatively because they want Trump to fail. The Pentagon has reportedly banned its own publication from attending Hegseth's morning press conferences.

Why people care

A Defense Secretary publicly attacking allies and press during wartime breaks longstanding norms around Pentagon communications. The controversy raises questions about military leadership conduct and diplomatic relationships during a major military operation.

The takes

Critics say

Hegseth's public attacks on allies and media during wartime are inappropriate and damage critical relationships. A Defense Secretary should focus on military operations rather than serving as a political attack dog, and banning Pentagon publications from briefings undermines transparency.

Supporters say

Hegseth is justified in calling out biased media coverage that undermines military operations and holding allies accountable for their lack of support. The Defense Secretary has a right to defend administration policy and push back against unfair reporting during a critical military campaign.

Sources