United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed on Monday that he continues to enjoy the full support of President Donald Trump amid allegations that he disclosed confidential military information to members of his family. Speaking to reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll, Hegseth denounced the accusations and criticized the media coverage surrounding them.

“Not going to work with me because we're changing the Defense Department, putting the Pentagon back in the hands of war fighters. And anonymous smears from disgruntled former employees are old news, doesn't matter,” Hegseth said. He expressed pride in the department’s ongoing efforts, adding, “I'm really proud of what we're doing for the president, fighting hard across the board.”

The comments come amid mounting media reports suggesting that Hegseth had shared sensitive defense information via private communication channels with family members. The allegations have triggered public debate and raised questions about internal practices and communication security at the Pentagon.

However, the White House issued a statement reinforcing the administration’s trust in Hegseth. A spokesperson stated that President Trump continues to “stand behind” the Defense Secretary, emphasizing his role in pushing forward reforms within the Department of Defense.

Hegseth’s vocal response and Trump’s public show of support appear to signal the administration’s intent to counter the narrative and refocus attention on defense priorities. As scrutiny continues, Hegseth has positioned himself as a key figure in realigning the Pentagon with combat-focused leadership and transparency in military reform.

The situation remains fluid, but the administration’s unified stance suggests no immediate plans for changes in Hegseth’s role or responsibilities.