Pete Hegseth tried an impression of Donald Trump as he revealed the advice he had given him when he appointed him United States Secretary of Defense. His mimicry of the president and remarks came during a campaign rally for Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL in Northern Kentucky. Back in 2024, ahead of picking him to lead the Pentagon, Trump had publicly backed him and showcased massive support, despite him being surrounded by several controversies at the time.
Pete Hegseth drops Donald Trump’s impression during rally
On May 19, Hegseth attended the campaign rally for Gallrein, who is pitted against Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s Republican primary. During the address, he reflected on the time he got appointed as the Defense Secretary, while revealing the advice he received from the president. “When he first offered me this job, he said, ‘Pete, you’re gonna have to be tough as s—.’They’re gonna come after ya.,” he said, mimicking Trump’s voice, which sparked laughter among the crowd. He then switched to his voice and revealed that the president’s advice was really right (via PEOPLE).
Ahead of swearing in to the office, Trump shared immense praise for his defense pick on Truth Social in 2024. He wrote, ” Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe. He was a great student – Princeton/Harvard educated – with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!”
At the time, although Hegseth received Trump’s support for the role, he also faced massive backlash over his multiple controversies, including sexual assault, excessive drinking, and financial management issues. Before embarking on his political career, he was co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend on the Fox News Channel until 2024.
