Hegseth's Approval Plummets Amid Iran War Criticism

New poll shows Defense Secretary's rating at rock bottom as he faces accusations of blocking military promotions.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A moody, cinematic painting of a lone military officer standing in the hallway of a government building, the space bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of isolation and unease.The growing discontent with the Pentagon's leadership during wartime raises concerns about the stability and integrity of the nation's defense apparatus.Washington Today

According to a new CNN poll, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's approval rating has plummeted to 35% amid the ongoing war with Iran and accusations that he has blocked the promotions of over a dozen senior military officers, with some officials believing the decisions may have been influenced by race, gender, or the officers' perceived connections to the previous administration.

Why it matters

Hegseth's falling approval and the allegations of improper influence over military promotions raise serious concerns about the leadership and decision-making at the highest levels of the Pentagon during a time of international conflict.

The details

The CNN poll showed Hegseth with a 65% disapproval rating, a -30 net approval. This included 76% disapproval among independents and 26% disapproval from Republican-leaning voters. A previous Quinnipiac poll last month had shown Hegseth with a -15 net approval. These numbers come as Hegseth faces accusations that he personally moved to stall or block the promotions of more than a dozen senior military officers, with some officials believing the decisions may have been influenced by factors like race, gender, or perceived political connections.

  • The CNN poll was released on April 3, 2026.
  • A previous Quinnipiac poll was conducted about a month prior.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Secretary of Defense, who is facing a plummeting approval rating and allegations of improperly influencing military promotions.

Aaron Blake

A senior political reporter at CNN who shared the details of the network's poll on Hegseth's approval.

Gen. Randy George

The Army Chief of Staff who Hegseth reportedly requested be retired, despite George's decades of military service including in the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This week's CNN poll was pretty brutal for Pete Hegseth. 35% approval, 65% disapproval. That's -30. 76% of independents and 26% of GOP-leaners disapprove.”

— Aaron Blake, Senior Political Reporter, CNN

What’s next

The Biden administration will likely face increasing pressure to address the concerns around Hegseth's leadership and decision-making at the Pentagon, particularly as the war with Iran continues.

The takeaway

Hegseth's plummeting approval and the allegations of improper influence over military promotions raise serious questions about the stability and integrity of the Pentagon's leadership during a time of international crisis, potentially eroding public trust in the administration's handling of national security matters.