Pete Hegseth gave his best impersonation of Donald Trump as he recalled the US president’s advice to him when he first became defense secretary. Speaking during a rally on Monday (18 May) for Ed Gallrein, Mr Trump’s preferred candidate in Kentucky, Mr Hegseth began mimicking the US president’s voice and mannerisms. “Pete, you're gonna have to be tough as s***,’” Hegseth said as he delivered his best impression, which even included his trademark hand gestures seen during rallies. “’They're gonna come after you,’ and boy, was he right,” he said, which resulted in laughter and applause from the audience.

It’s highly unusual for the defense secretary to participate in a political event. Massie has opposed the Trump administration’s handling of the war in Iran.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a rare wartime visit to the campaign trail on Monday, imploring Republicans in Kentucky to defeat GOP Rep. Thomas Massie and send President…