The US president also claimed that fighting in the conflict with Iran is "going very well"

Hegseth has faced accusations for months of downplaying the impact of the Iran war and misleading the public and Trump about its objectives.

The Pentagon chief reportedly blamed his deputy, Stephen Feinberg, for not making sure the president was fully informed of the issue

I was at Camp David with President Trump and Secretary Hegseth. This literally never happened, and we told the Washington Post that repeatedly.

"I am extremely happy with the job that Pete Hegseth is doing," Trump posted on social media.