Why Pete Hegseth Continues to Maintain Support Within the MAGA Movement

Despite a series of controversies surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, support for him among President Donald Trump’s core base — often referred to as the MAGA movement — remains notably resilient.

This enduring backing sheds light on what it takes to secure loyalty from Trump’s most dedicated supporters.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army National Guard veteran, was appointed to lead the Department of Defense with little prior government experience. His nomination in 2024 faced a turbulent Senate confirmation process, marred by allegations ranging from personal misconduct to questions about his leadership credentials. Still, he was confirmed following heavy pressure from Trump allies on skeptical Republican lawmakers.

Since taking office, Hegseth has been embroiled in multiple controversies, including leaked classified information over unsecure messaging platforms and the dismissal of senior Pentagon staff amid internal conflicts. The White House is reportedly exploring potential replacements, and some congressional figures — including members of both parties — have raised concerns about instability within the Defense Department under his leadership.

Nevertheless, Hegseth has retained the full-throated support of the MAGA base. Influential figures such as Steve Bannon and organizations like the Conservative Partnership Institute argue that his loyalty to Trump and willingness to challenge perceived establishment norms outweigh the controversies.

“We know the media is just coming after them,” Bannon said, defending Hegseth’s record and framing the criticism as part of a broader political agenda.

Supporters cite Hegseth’s ideological alignment with Trump and his willingness to fight battles against the mainstream media and the so-called Washington “deep state” as evidence of his authenticity. Rachel Bovard, a senior MAGA-aligned strategist, noted that it’s not just about policy alignment but about having a history of commitment to the movement.

“If you weren’t part of that, and now you’re saying the right things to ascend, you have to prove yourself,” she said.

The MAGA movement has been less forgiving toward others in Trump’s orbit, even those who generally support his agenda but are perceived as less ideologically committed or more establishment-aligned. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who was involved in one of the Signal chat controversies, received more criticism than Hegseth for including a journalist in the group.

Internally, the Pentagon under Hegseth has been undergoing a shake-up. Several top aides have been fired amid accusations of leaking information, which they deny. New appointments include individuals with limited government or military experience, prompting concerns among critics about the department’s preparedness for crisis situations.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) has publicly called for Hegseth’s resignation, citing “chaos” within the department. Some Republicans, like Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), have also voiced unease, questioning Hegseth’s qualifications despite supporting his broader political alignment.

Still, Trump has stood by Hegseth, telling The Atlantic he had a “positive talk” with his defense secretary and expected him to “get it together.” For now, that presidential endorsement, combined with fierce loyalty from the MAGA base, continues to shield Hegseth from mounting political pressure.

With input from Axios and NPR.