During a Memphis Safe Task Force roundtable, President Donald Trump appeared to place responsibility for the war with Iran on his own Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth.
Trump told the gathering that Hegseth was “the first one to speak up” and encouraged him with “Pete… you said, ‘Let’s do it’” before strikes began — a moment that’s drawing attention as critics and supporters alike debate who is shaping U.S. military strategy.
Hegseth, appointed in 2025 and formerly a conservative media figure, has been a prominent voice in advocating for a tough approach to Iran, and the exchange adds fuel to ongoing discussions about leadership, accountability, and how the conflict unfolded.
During a Memphis Safe Task Force roundtable, President Donald Trump appeared to place responsibility for the war with Iran on his own Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth.
Trump told the gathering that Hegseth was “the first one to speak up” and encouraged him with “Pete… you said, ‘Let’s do it’” before strikes began — a moment that’s drawing attention as critics and supporters alike debate who is shaping U.S. military strategy.
Hegseth, appointed in 2025 and formerly a conservative media figure, has been a prominent voice in advocating for a tough approach to Iran, and the exchange adds fuel to ongoing discussions about leadership, accountability, and how the conflict unfolded.
