Critics pile on Pete Hegseth for praising Trump's 'strength' during CBS News interview

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was one of the lucky Trump administration officials who was asked to go on the Sunday morning news shows, but things apparently didn't go according to plan, according to some political analysts and observers.

Hegseth joined CBS News' Margaret Brennan on Sunday, where he was asked about the ongoing negotiations between the Trump administration and the Iranian regime to end the war against Iran. President Donald Trump claimed on Sunday that the two sides were "so close" to a deal before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved another strike in Beirut, Lebanon. Iran considers Israeli strikes on Lebanon — particularly Beirut — a red line because of its ties to Hezbollah

During the interview, Hegseth claimed that Trump's "strength" was compelling Iran to make a deal to end the war. Brennan noted that the two sides have not yet signed a memorandum of understanding, which is the first step toward agreeing to a formal peace deal of any kind.

Political analysts and observers had a field day with Hegseth's comments on social media.

"Exactly the quality of intellect and integrity you'd expect from a Fox anchor," journalist John Harwood posted on X.

"These twits can’t ever do a single interview without singing hosannas to Trump’s godlike qualities," Michael Freeman, a writer, posted on X.

"Let’s be super clear. Iran was not 'compelled' to do anything. Trump got bored and thought it would be a good idea to COMPLETELY TACO the day before the SpaceX IPO and his birthday weekend," Jim Stewartson, a political commentator and writer, posted on X.

"The deal where we hand over billions of dollars to reopen the Strait, which was open before we started. The deal they haven’t even agreed to yet," economist Patrick Chovanec posted on Bluesky.