Trump defends Pete Hegseth and school shooting in Thailand: Morning Rundown

Trump defends Pete Hegseth amid concerns about the defense secretary’s leadership.A student kills multiple people at a school in Thailand.

And why Americans are still spending on little luxuries despite economic uncertainty.Here’s what to know today.Trump says he stands by Pete Hegseth as defense secretaryPresident Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attend a cabinet meeting at the White House in 2025.Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images filePresident Donald Trump appears determined to stand by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth despite the Iran war’s unpopularity and concerns about his leadership.“I think he’s actually one of my best.

I’m very good at this stuff,” Trump told NBC News in a phone interview yesterday.“Smart guy,” he added.“He’s very much into it.

Respected by the military.” At least one political ally told Trump in recent weeks that Hegseth is “not a manager” and isn’t up to leading the Pentagon in wartime.Separately, Sen.

Thom Tillis said he has “zero confidence” in Hegseth.Elsewhere, a deal to end the six-month war appeared to be taking shape in Qatar, but there were few signs of progress as of Thursday.A smaller agreement between Iran and Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, however, appeared to be close.Were Trump to oust Hegseth, he would need to find a replacement capable of winning Senate confirmation.

One name floated in pro-Trump circles is Florida Gov.Ron DeSantis, though Trump said he would be open to considering DeSantis for another role.Read the full story here.Rep.

Ogles loses, Sen.Blackburn wins in Tennessee GOP primariesAdd NBC News to GoogleAndy Ogles defeated in Tennessee House GOP primary, NBC News projects01:59Rep.

Andy Ogles of Tennessee lost his Republican primary to former state official Charlie Hatcher, becoming the ninth House member — and the third Republican — to lose a primary this year.Despite President Trump’s endorsement, Ogles was unable to fend off Hatcher,...