Top Capitol Hill staffers say Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is doing more harm than good when it comes to President Donald Trump’s national security agenda, according to our recent Canvass survey.
Almost three-quarters (72%) of senior Hill aides said Hegseth has harmed President Donald Trump’s foreign policy priorities. Only 9% of respondents said the defense secretary helped Trump’s agenda.
Notably, a majority (52%) of GOP staffers in our survey said Hegseth has harmed Trump’s policy agenda.
The Canvass Capitol Hill survey was conducted Feb. 10 – March 2, mostly ahead of the Iran military operation, in partnership with independent public affairs firm, LSG.
Hegseth has taken a leading role selling the merits of the conflict to the public. He said last week that U.S. forces “have only just begun to fight” in the war. The public view of Hegseth could change depending on the success of the mission in the Middle East.
Secretary woes. Hegseth’s tenure has consisted of controversies and scrutiny at every turn, so it’s no surprise senior staffers are questioning that effect on foreign policy.
The leaked Signal group chat, where top U.S. officials discussed sensitive information about military operations in Yemen, was one of the most scrutinized moments of Hegseth’s time as defense secretary.
The deadly strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean set off another huge furor for Hegseth. These incidents have been the focus of multiple investigations. Despite the debates over the legality of some of Hegseth’s moves, Republicans on Capitol Hill have largely supported Hegseth publicly.
Only 14% of staffers ranked Hegseth in their top three Republicans who have increased their prominence in Trump’s base. Hill aides prioritized other GOP figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.
Want to take part in The Canvass? Our survey provides anonymous monthly insights from top Capitol Hill staffers and K Street leaders on key issues Washington is dealing with. Sign up here if you work on K Street. Click here to sign up if you’re a senior congressional staffer.
