Why Hegseth Has Lasted in the Trump Administration

Why It Matters

This dynamic signals greater continuity and reduced turnover in a second Trump term, which could produce more predictable policy implementation but also means controversial officials can remain influential unless they provoke a major crisis. Investors, agencies and allies should expect steadier staffing but potentially less immediate accountability for controversial performance.

Summary

Media and former-administration observers say Nick Hegseth has endured in the Trump cabinet largely because President Trump evaluates ministers by televised performance and has shifted toward personnel stability in a second term. Pentagon insiders were surprised Hegseth remained, but analysts credit his ability to avoid major public failures. The speaker argues Trump now tolerates more mistakes than in his first term and is reluctant to swap aides unless a clear, consequential blunder occurs. High-profile firings like that of "Christine" are presented as exceptions that required substantial missteps.

Original Description

A lot of Pentagon figures “are surprised that Hegseth has lasted this long,” Jeffrey Goldberg says. “In this second Trump term, you really have to screw up to get fired.”