Pete Hegseth didn't become US Secretary of Defense because of an impressive statesman's resume.
But President Donald Trump has invested significant political capital in pushing for his nomination because the new Pentagon chief reflects the very essence and instincts of Trump's political identity. His appointment showed that the usual requirements and qualities for a high-ranking national security position do not apply in the head of state's turbulent second term, writes CNN in its analysis.
So Hegseth seems safe for now, despite the shocking new revelations that he shared secret military plans in a group chat that included his wife and brother, among others.
This comes after a previous similar scandal, in which the Secretary of the Interior invited the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic to a general chat about US strikes on the Houthis in Yemen with senior administration officials.
It is not surprising that the former Fox News host does not behave like a typical national security representative, who guards sensitive information like his life.
"This is when you don't care about the qualifications for these positions, when you don't choose people with experience, and the main criterion is personal loyalty to Donald Trump," said John Bolton, national security adviser in the first term of Trump, on CNN. "That's who Hegseth is. That's why Trump keeps him. But he's not the guy you need for the job."
Everyone in Trump's cabinet acts as if their time is running out. The phrase "serves at the will of the president" is especially apt given the whims of this very commander-in-chief.
But firing Hegseth just three months into his term would force Trump to admit a mistake, something he rarely does. And Hegseth has yet to commit the unforgivable offense that led to the departure of two first-term defense secretaries - an attempt to thwart the president's will.
James Mattis resigned after a conflict over the issue of withdrawing troops from Syria, and Mark Esper left after public criticism of the use of the military against domestic political protests.
The scandals surrounding Hegseth are further evidence that the circle around the 47th president does not obey the normal rules, according to which such a security breach would mean the end of a career.
Trump defended Hegseth in the widening information leak scandal
According to Trump's spokesman, "the whole world was working against Hegseth"
New questions about Hegseth's approach
A new investigation shows that the defense secretary shared details about military operation against the Houthis in Yemen in another Signal chat, this time from his personal phone, in which his wife, his lawyer, and his brother participated. This chat was created during his Senate hearings, but continued to be used after he took office.
Such a lack of discretion undermines the standards and laws that his subordinates - civilians and military - are required to follow. There is even a risk that the secretary's actions endangered American soldiers participating in strikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis.
If Hegseth's carelessness had led to military failure, Trump would have been forced to react. It hasn't gotten that far yet, but if his Pentagon leadership continues in the same vein, concerns about the quality of the advice the president receives will grow.
Morale and authority are also at stake - lower-ranking officials could be disciplined or even prosecuted for such actions.
Meanwhile, former Hegsett advisers, including his spokesman John Ulliott and three senior officials fired last week, have warned of a growing crisis at the Pentagon.
"The last month at the Pentagon has been total chaos. Leaks of operational plans, mass layoffs - this dysfunction is a serious distraction for a president who deserves better treatment from his leadership," said Ulliott.
The signs of a breakdown in the administration come at a time when the world needs sober and responsible leadership of the most powerful military. The administration's efforts to end the war that began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine are entering a crucial phase. Critical negotiations with Iran are underway, and a trade war with China is further exacerbating tensions in East Asia.
A classic Trump situation
Amid the scandal, Hegseth defended himself by attacking the White House media during a traditional Easter event. He denounced "fake news", anonymous sources and "fraudsters" who he said were trying to discredit the "MAGA revolution" in the Pentagon and paint him in a bad light.
It's a typical Trump move - diverting attention from the scandal by creating a new conflict with the media and opponents.
The president also supported Hegsett: "Pete is doing a great job. Everyone is happy. It's fake news. He's here to get rid of bad people - and that's exactly what he's doing."
This is not the first time Trump has saved Pete Hegsett's political career. Last year, when his candidacy was threatened by allegations of sexual assault and alcohol abuse (something he vehemently denies), the president stood firmly behind him. Support from conservative media and activists tipped the scales and convinced hesitant senators to confirm him.
There are no signs that support for Hegsett on Capitol Hill is waning. But some Republicans, such as Congressman Carlos Jimenez, warned that the case "should be a lesson" for everyone in the administration.
In Trump's world, everything revolves around loyalty and influence. The new scandal will likely make Hegsett even more dependent on the president - and even more willing to fulfill his every wish.
But even Trump may be forced to rethink his position if it turns out that his defense secretary continues to share sensitive information in chats, even after the first revelations.
Because in the Trump White House, one immutable rule applies: anyone who enjoys the president's trust has it... until the moment they no longer receive it.
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