Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth continues to exercise core responsibilities as the Pentagon's civilian leader, including recent testimony before House and Senate Appropriations subcommittees on the administration's defense budget request and the status of the Iran ceasefire. These appearances, alongside public engagements such as welcoming returning naval personnel and coordinating with allied defense ministers, reflect sustained institutional engagement without signs of impending departure. Internal personnel changes, including the removal of service secretaries and senior officers, have occurred under his direction, yet these adjustments align with standard executive-branch authority rather than external pressure on Hegseth himself. Trader consensus at 70.5% for "No" incorporates the absence of formal resignation signals, confirmation votes, or White House statements indicating a transition by year-end.