Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remains actively engaged in core administration priorities, including recent congressional testimony on the proposed $1.5 trillion fiscal 2027 Pentagon budget and ongoing military operations tied to Iran and other theaters. Over the past month, he has announced reforms to defense contracting processes, testified before House and Senate appropriators on modernization and readiness, and managed internal personnel decisions such as the April departure of the Navy secretary. These developments signal continued White House support and institutional momentum, which traders interpret as reducing the near-term likelihood of removal or resignation before year-end. While budget scrutiny and congressional questions continue, no procedural or political triggers have emerged that would accelerate a departure within the resolution window.