President Donald Trump publicly praised Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during remarks at the Future Investment Initiative on March 27, 2026, highlighting his performance in the role and declaring that he was ideally suited for it. Trump emphasized the strength of his national security team while discussing ongoing military operations against Iran.
“Pete Hegseth has been amazing. Pete has done a great job. He’s born for it. I really believe he was born for it. We have a lot of great people,” Trump said.
Trump: Pete Hegseth has done a great job. I believe he was born for it. pic.twitter.com/m1BCOtGEIH
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 27, 2026
Since assuming the position, Hegseth has overseen a significant shift in the department, with its name formally changed by President Trump from the Department of Defense to the Department of War and his own title updated to Secretary of War. The move aligns with the administration’s focus on decisive military action. Hegseth has played a central role in directing Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing campaign that has dismantled much of Iran’s military infrastructure, including command centers, ballistic missile sites, air defense systems, and naval assets.
JUST IN: Donald Trump will sign an executive order Friday to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War, Fox News reports.
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) September 4, 2025
We are living in the dumbest of times. pic.twitter.com/qlD8FCMqxB
Trump’s comments came as U.S. forces continued precision strikes under the operation, which has involved thousands of combat flights and the destruction or damage of more than 140 Iranian vessels. The praise underscores the administration’s confidence in its leadership as the military campaign advances toward its objectives.