Trump fully supports Hegseth and dismisses pressure for his resignation after controversial military order

Amid growing controversy over an alleged military order issued during an operation against a ship from Venezuela, US President Donald Trump reiterated his full support for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and categorically rejected the accusations that have fueled calls for his resignation from Democratic lawmakers.

During an exchange with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump defended his secretary, stating that he fully trusts the version of events presented to him by Hegseth. Hegseth has denied instructing the armed forces to “leave no survivors” during the interception of the ship, which was allegedly linked to drug trafficking.

“He said he didn’t say that, and I believe him 100%,” the president stated in his characteristically emphatic tone, seeking to rally support around one of his most loyal collaborators within the national security cabinet. Trump also downplayed the criticism from Democratic Party figures, who believe that the mere existence of the accusation justifies a formal investigation and, potentially, Hegseth’s resignation.

The episode has gained political significance due to the sensitivity of the issue: any indication of excessive use of force, especially in maritime operations related to combating drug trafficking, tends to attract the attention of both Congress and international organizations. In this case, the accusation struck a particularly sensitive nerve, as it would imply a serious violation of the rules of engagement and the laws of war.

Trump, however, chose to defuse the controversy by backing his secretary and minimizing the legislative pressure. He asserted that the administration has sufficient information to support Hegseth's version and accused the opposition of "politicizing" an operational matter that, in his opinion, has already been clarified internally.

The president's public defense is not only aimed at protecting Hegseth, but also at sending a message of unity within the national security team at a time when various sectors are questioning the handling of defense policy, the rules of engagement, and civilian oversight of the armed forces.

Although the incident continues to fuel debates in Washington about transparency and accountability in sensitive military operations, Trump's stance makes it clear that, for now, he is not considering any changes to his cabinet nor will he open the door to external pressure to remove his Secretary of Defense.