U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump supported the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, after Australia on Friday confirmed its first $500 million payment under the defense pact.

Within hours of his inauguration, Mr. Trump began to pull security details from nearly a half-dozen people who had served in his first term, most of them under threat for enforcing his Iran policy.

(Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked federal security protection for former U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper, the New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing two people with knowledge of the matter.

Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper's security detail, which was provided by the Defense Department, was pulled Tuesday night, a U.S. official told CBS News.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday revoked the security detail and security clearance for Gen. Mark Milley, according to Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot, an unprecedented move against the former top US general who became a frequent target of President Donald Trump.

President Donald Trump has begun his second administration with a series of controversial moves and decisions.

President Trump has revoked the security detail for former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, adding him a slew of others who have had their security provisions taken away after being critical of the commander in chief.