President Trump Scrutinizes War Chiefs

What happened

Updated Nov 2, 6:20pm ET

President Trump is asking close advisers about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine’s performance in the Iran war. Outside advisers told The Atlantic that Hegseth has portrayed the war too positively; Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Hegseth gives the full operational picture. Trump is weighing whether to resume U.S. strikes after the midterms, but he has not ordered a new attack. The war was expected by his advisers to end before the midterms, and it is now a political liability. Hegseth and Caine recently briefed him on options, from short strikes to longer campaigns. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed negotiations and possible timing.

How the left told it

Left-leaning outlets framed the scrutiny as Trump looking for someone to blame for a war they cast as failing, while focusing on Hegseth’s loyalty to Trump. The Daily Beast emphasized the risk that Hegseth becomes a scapegoat for a flailing effort. MEDIAite centered the claim that Hegseth kept Trump happy with a rosy picture. AlterNet cited Jennifer Rubin calling Trump “deluded” over the war plan.

How the right told it

Right-leaning outlets framed the scrutiny as a secret reckoning over advice that promised a quick win, with Hegseth’s critics cast as hostile insiders. The Daily Mail emphasized Trump turning on advisers after concluding the war could hurt Republicans in the midterms. The Western Journal defended Hegseth, portraying the criticism as a cabal attacking decisions it said deserved praise.