President Trump playfully ribbed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the recent controversies he has faced during banter at a cabinet meeting Wednesday.
“I could start with Pete on the left because he is my least controversial person at the table,” Trump quipped while gesturing toward Hegseth. “We all know how good he is.”
Without missing a beat, Hegseth replied that “I think we’re controversial because we’re over the target” before pivoting to some of the accomplishments made during Trump’s 100 days in office and lavishing praise on the commander in chief.
“What we have seen since your election and the inauguration has been nothing short of a recruiting renaissance,” Hegseth said. “The men and women of America want to join the United States military led by President Donald Trump.”
Over recent weeks, Hegseth has faced controversy over two leaked Signal group chats and high-profile departures at the Pentagon.
