Trump’s former security advisor predicts defense secretary’s downfall

Pete Hegseth’s position as US defense secretary is under threat due to growing paranoia and internal conflicts, according to John Bolton, Donald Trump’s former national security advisor, in an interview with Danish newspaper Berlingske.

Bolton, a prominent Trump critic and former UN ambassador, stated: “I don’t think he has much time left as defense secretary.” He described Hegseth as currently appearing “paranoid,” a shift he links to the so-called Signalgate scandal earlier this year.

The controversy erupted when The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffery Goldberg, was mistakenly granted access to a highly classified Signal chat involving key figures in Trump’s inner circle, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Hegseth himself. The breach triggered a global security scandal.

Though Hegseth survived the fallout, a high-level source told The New York Post the incident left him deeply unsettled. Bolton claimed Hegseth has since tightened control over his inner circle, dismissing several officials—most notably Navy Secretary Mike C. Phelan, a personal friend and neighbor of Trump in Palm Beach. Despite their close ties, Trump reportedly allowed Hegseth to proceed with the firing.

Bolton warned of further turmoil ahead: “I expect more internal conflicts. People are thinking, ‘We’re at war with Iran, but the secretary is wasting time on personnel battles.’ It’s having a negative effect.”

He added that in Trump’s administration, loyalty offers no protection, citing the recent dismissals of Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—both staunch Trump allies. “Loyalty only goes one way with Trump,” Bolton said.

Hegseth, a handpicked Trump appointee known for his unwavering loyalty, has faced additional criticism for accusing Europe of insufficient support in the conflict with Iran.