Pete Hegseth isn't going anywhere. Not yet, anyway. If you've been scrolling through social media lately or catching snippets of the evening news, you've probably seen the "is Pete Hegseth resigning" question popping up everywhere. It’s the kind of rumor that catches fire because, honestly, the man has been a lightning rod for controversy since the second he stepped into the Pentagon.
But let’s get the facts straight. As of January 18, 2026, Pete Hegseth remains the U.S. Secretary of Defense. He hasn't stepped down. Donald Trump hasn't fired him. He’s still very much at the helm of what he now insists on calling the "Department of War."
The Rumor Mill vs. Reality
People love a good political exit story. Hegseth has faced more calls for his resignation in one year than some cabinet members face in a decade. Just last month, in December 2025, things looked pretty dicey. A Pentagon Inspector General report dropped a bombshell, accusing him of using unapproved messaging apps—specifically Signal—to discuss sensitive military operations.
That sparked a fresh wave of "he's finished" headlines. Congressman John Larson and several other Democratic leaders practically shouted from the rooftops that he was "unfit to serve." They pointed to a controversial "double-tap" strike in the Caribbean and allegations that he leaked classified war plans in a group text.
He didn't budge.
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If anything, Hegseth has leaned into the chaos. He’s spent the last few weeks of January 2026 meeting with high-level allies, like Japanese Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi, and pushing a massive $1 billion investment into rocket motor supply chains. He’s acting like a man who expects to be in the job for a long time.
Why Everyone Thinks He’s Quitting
So, why does the internet keep insisting he’s resigning? It’s mostly because his inner circle is shrinking. In April 2025, his chief of staff, Joe Kasper, bailed after a nasty power struggle. Then, in July, his top advisor Justin Fulcher resigned after only six months. When the people around a leader start jumping ship, folks naturally assume the leader is next.
Then there's the Mark Kelly situation.
Hegseth recently tried to censure Senator Mark Kelly—a retired Navy Captain—for telling troops they could refuse illegal orders. It’s turned into a massive legal mess. Kelly is now suing Hegseth, and the optics of a Secretary of Defense going after a decorated veteran and sitting Senator are, well, not great. It’s created a lot of noise, and in D.C., noise usually precedes a resignation.
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The Trump Factor
The biggest reason Hegseth is still in his office? Donald Trump. The President has been "ironclad" in his support, at least publicly. During the confirmation battle—which only passed because Vice President JD Vance had to cast a tie-breaking 51-50 vote—Trump never wavered.
Hegseth is doing exactly what Trump wants:
- Killing off DEI programs at the DoD.
- Pushing for "warrior ethos."
- Rebranding the Pentagon.
- Using the military for border security.
As long as he’s a loyal soldier for the administration's "Arsenal of Freedom" tour, his job security seems tied directly to the President’s personal favor.
What to Watch For
While there’s no official resignation on the books, three things could change that fast:
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- The Signal Investigation: If the Inspector General finds that his use of personal devices actually resulted in a specific, measurable intelligence leak to a foreign adversary, the pressure might become too much for even Trump to ignore.
- The Mark Kelly Lawsuit: If a court rules that Hegseth’s attempt to strip Kelly of his rank was unconstitutional, it could be the "last straw" for moderate Republicans who are already tired of the drama.
- The Department of War Rebrand: It’s a $125 million price tag. If Congress refuses to fund the name change and it becomes a public embarrassment, Hegseth might find himself the fall guy.
Basically, if you’re looking for a resignation letter today, you won’t find one. Hegseth is currently focused on "AI dominance" and his "hard-nosed realism" approach to foreign policy. He's a fighter, and he seems to enjoy the friction.
Keep an eye on the Senate Armed Services Committee. They’re the ones with the power to make his life truly miserable. For now, though, the "is Pete Hegseth resigning" rumors are just that—rumors.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve on this, stop looking at the viral tweets and start looking at the Department of War’s official press releases. When the "readouts" stop appearing, that's when you know something is actually happening behind the scenes. Check the official government newsroom or the latest Inspector General filings for the most reliable updates.