Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth did not inform the White House before he authorized a pause on weapons shipments to Ukraine last week, according to five sources familiar with the matter, setting off a scramble inside the administration to understand why the halt was implemented and explain it to Congress and the Ukrainian government.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reportedly authorized a pause in weapons shipments to Ukraine without informing the White House, according to multiple sources. The move surprised US officials, including US President Donald Trump,

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently authorized a pause in weapon shipments to Ukraine without seeking prior approval from the White House.