U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) speaks to reporters, on the day of Senate votes, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 4, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
A Republican Senator was held to account Sunday when he tried to dodge a basic question about a member of President Donald Trump's cabinet — then made a startling admission.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) appeared on "Meet the Press" to discuss with host Kristen Welker mounting criticism of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Welker asked Kennedy to comment on Sen. Thom Tillis' (R-NC) renewed call for Hegseth's replacement as the former television personality loses experienced military officials amid a mounting war with Iran.
“I have never witnessed more inept management of the brave men and women who serve our country,” the North Carolina Republican wrote on X. “I urge the President to find a new leader at the Pentagon who will retain and empower our military talent rather than diminish it."
This prompted Welker to ask Kennedy on Sunday, "Do you still have confidence in Secretary Hegseth?"
The senator scowled and said, "Um."
Then, after a beat, Kennedy smiled as he arrived at a response: "It's not my place to have confidence in him!"
Welker wasn't having it.
"You're a senator," she said.
"Let me finish," Kennedy snapped. "He seems to be firing a lot of good people."
Kennedy then made his admission.
"I'm not worried about the personalities," he said. "I'd probably vote for him again."
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