House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries posted a video on X on Friday asking, “Why is Pete Hegseth still around?” The clip, filmed on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., shows the New York Democrat speaking into a microphone as he questions the defense secretary’s continued role. Online users reacted quickly, with many replies turning the question back on Jeffries or defending Hegseth’s record in the department.
In the footage, Jeffries stands at a microphone on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and says the war should be brought to an end. “We should end the war now,” he says. “There’s no reason that this needs to drag on a day more than it has.”
He then directs the remark at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has been cutting senior ranks at the Pentagon. “Pete Hegseth, by the way, who is letting go 20% of the Pentagon — no. One person needs to be let go from the Pentagon, and it’s you, Pete Hegseth,”
Jeffries says. “You have failed the American people. You have been a disaster, and you weren’t even qualified to hold the job to begin with.” The clip does not include a response from Hegseth.
Separate reporting has described growing doubts among some Republicans. On September 2, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who voted to confirm Hegseth, wrote that he had “never witnessed more inept management of the brave men and women who serve our country,” and added, “I urge the president to find a new leader at the Pentagon who will retain and empower our military talent rather than diminish it.”
A New York Times report said Hegseth’s relationship with Republican lawmakers had worsened, with some complaining that he and his staff were dismissive and often unprepared for briefings.
How Viewers Are Responding to the Capitol Clip
On the X thread, many replies turned the question back on Jeffries. One user wrote, “Why are you still around?” Another said, “Better question!!!! Why are you still around?”
Others defended Hegseth’s record. “Because, unlike Congress, he shows up for work!” one reply said.
Another wrote, “He is reforming the DoW from the joke it became under democrats.”
A later comment said, “Well… recruiting is beating goals, the military is focused again and succeeding everywhere.”
One user added, “Hegseth is still around because he does not work for the democrat caucus in the House. Stay in your lane.”
It is not clear whether the remarks will change Hegseth’s standing beyond the online exchange. For now, the clip continues to circulate widely as part of the broader debate over his record, leadership, and the ongoing war.
