Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth campaigned for former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein in his Republican primary challenge against Rep. Thomas Massie, marking a rare and controversial political appearance by a sitting Pentagon chief.
Pete Hegseth in Kentucky
Pete Hegseth framed Ed Gallrein as a loyal supporter of President Donald Trump. By: MEGA
Hegseth joined Gallrein at a rally in Hebron, Kentucky, organized by the Trump-aligned group America First Works. Gallrein has earned the backing of President Donald Trump in his effort to unseat Massie, a libertarian Republican who has frequently broken with Trump on key issues.
Entering to Van Halen’s “Jump” and chants of “U.S.A.,” Hegseth praised Gallrein as a loyal ally to Trump’s agenda.
“President Trump needs reinforcements, and that’s what war fighters do. They stand behind leaders and have their back,” Hegseth said. “War fighters understand mission, they understand teamwork, they understand loyalty, and they understand that in the middle of a fight, you don’t weaken your own side to advance to the objective, and that’s what Ed Gallrein understands — because he has lived it.”
Massie vs. Trump
Pete Hegseth called Thomas Massie an obstructionist. By: MEGA
Massie has drawn criticism from Trump allies for opposing the administration-backed One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, pushing for the release of government files tied to convicted predator Jeffrey Epstein and voting with Democrats on a resolution aimed at limiting U.S. military involvement in Iran.
Hegseth sharply criticized Massie during the rally.
“At some point, being against everything becomes an excuse for accomplishing nothing,” Hegseth said. “Too much grandstanding, too few great votes, years of acting like being difficult is the same thing as being courageous.”
Gallrein, speaking before Hegseth, praised both Trump and the defense secretary.
“Servicemembers deserve a commander-in-chief who has their back and leaders they can trust. They have them in Donald Trump, and they have them in Pete Hegseth, don’t they?” Gallrein said.
The Pentagon responds to criticism
Pete Hegseth said he attended the rally ‘in my personal capacity.’ By: MEGA
The appearance sparked criticism because Defense secretaries traditionally avoid overt political activity to preserve the military’s nonpartisan image. Hegseth acknowledged the concern, saying he attended “in my personal capacity as a private citizen, a fellow American, and a fellow combat veteran.”
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the visit complied with federal law and “does not violate the Hatch Act or any other applicable federal statute.”