Video from a statement by Donald Trump
President Trump answers a question about Pete Hegseth in the Oval Office, November 5, 2026.
Excerpt from 12:18 to 12:49 of the White House video. DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: The White House. Public domain (U.S. government work) (opens in a new tab)
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: 12:18 to 12:49, answer on Pete Hegseth)
Asked in the Oval Office about talk of staffing changes, Trump said Hegseth had done a fantastic job and suggested his opposition came from cutting the number of generals, many of whom Trump called woke.
“Pete Hegseth has done a fantastic job. ... I don't like a woke general, and so he probably has opposition. I think he's doing a fantastic job.”