India, Aug. 18 -- US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth travelled to Iowa on Monday to deliver remarks, address veterans and campaign for Republican candidates, according to sources who spoke to CBS News, as the party works to defend several competitive congressional seats ahead of the midterms.

A parade of top Trump administration officials has been travelling to the battleground state in support of GOP candidates and for official business. A spokesperson for the Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the trip.

Why Is This Considered Unusual?

Hegseth's appearance marks a striking departure from precedent, since it is highly unusual for a sitting defence secretary to campaign for candidates, with previous secretari...