Skip to Main ContentHegseth Believes 'Blowing S**t Up' Will Help Keep His Job Safe: ReportDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth encouraged President Donald Trump to join Israel in striking Iran in the days leading up to the war, downplaying the dangers of the military operation, CNN reported on Tuesday, adding that the conflict has allowed the Pentagon chief to raise his profile within the administration.Hegseth has assumed a prominent role in defending the president's actions and lashing out at critics of his war in the Middle East, apparently improving his standing after a series of missteps, including his involvement in the Signal group chat fiasco, had troubled the White House, per CNN.A source familiar with the secretary's thinking told CNN that Hegseth believes "blowing s**t up" is the best way for him to ensure his job remains safe.Meanwhile, Hegseth and Dan Caine, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are expected to brief reporters on the state of the Iran war on Tuesday morning.Read more at CNN:See All UpdatesClose