The Washington Post reports that the Secretary of Defense has emerged as a significant figure in the Trump administration as of September 30, 2026. At 8:54 a.m. EDT, it was highlighted that Pete Hegseth, the current Defense Secretary, possesses substantial influence.
On September 24, Hegseth was observed walking along the White House colonnade, captured in a photo by Jacquelyn Martin for the Associated Press.
Emma Ashford, writing for Foreign Policy, a magazine known for diverse perspectives on global issues, reflected on her interpretations of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy. She acknowledged successes in understanding its general direction but admitted to misjudging certain aspects.
Ashford noted her incorrect predictions regarding U.S.-China relations, expecting heightened tension and competition. She also reflected on her past statement to a journalist, where she doubted Trump’s likelihood of engaging in conflict with Iran. This miscalculation led her to reassess not only Trump’s strategy toward Iran but also his broader decision-making approach.
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