Donald Trump got defensive fast when pressed on whether he still trusts Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth — and ended up dodging the question entirely.
During an interview Tuesday with ABC’s Terry Moran, Trump was asked if he had “100% confidence” in Hegseth, who is under fire for leaking sensitive military information through the Signal messaging app.
“I don’t have a hundred percent confidence in anything, OK? Anything,” Trump shot back. “That’s a stupid question.”
Moran pushed further, pointing out that the role of Defense Secretary is a serious one. But Trump wasn’t having it.
“Only a liar would say, ‘I have a hundred percent confidence,’” he said. “I don’t have a hundred percent confidence that we’re gonna finish this interview.”
“We will,” Moran replied.
Trump never actually gave a straight answer. Instead, he offered vague praise for Hegseth before changing the subject.
“He’s a talented guy. He’s young. He’s smart, highly educated,” Trump said. “And I think he’s gonna be a very good defense, hopefully a great defense secretary, but he’ll be a very good defense secretary.”
Hegseth is facing growing criticism after reportedly sharing classified information in a Signal group chat that accidentally included a journalist. He also shared sensitive intel in another Signal group with his wife, brother, and others, according to the Associated Press. On top of that, reports say he had an unsecured internet line installed in his office so he could keep using the app on his personal computer.
Moran asked Trump if he had taken Hegseth “to the woodshed” over the leaks.
“I had a talk with him, and whatever I said I probably wouldn’t be inclined to tell you,” Trump said. “But we had a good talk.”
The interview ended without Trump offering a clear defense — or denial — of the serious allegations facing his Defense Secretary.
Watch the exchange below:
MORAN: You have 100% confidence in Pete Hegseth?
TRUMP: I don't have 100% confidence in anything pic.twitter.com/K3LDRgxpS3
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 30, 2025
