President Trump has been asking advisers in person and by phone whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should remain in his job following Republican losses in Tuesday's midterm elections.1,3,5
The questions have centered on Hegseth's role in the Iran war and its effect on voters. NBC exit polls cited in the reports showed that 74 percent of voters viewed the Iran war as a crucial or major factor in how they voted, and both Trump and Vice President JD Vance have said the war was a top reason for the losses because of higher energy prices and inflation.3,5
Republicans lost seven Senate seats, with two additional losses possible, and at least 29 House seats, giving Democrats control of Congress. The New York Post reported that Democrats are expected to use the majority to block Trump's legislative agenda and nominations and to open investigations that could lead to a third impeachment of the president.5
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, Trump gave Hegseth public support. "No, I think he's doing a very good job," Trump said when asked whether he was considering replacing Hegseth. He added of Hegseth, "I think he's doing a very good job," and said of the possibility of Hegseth joining the Senate, "I actually think he'd be very popular if he did that, but I haven't heard that at all."3,4,5
At the same time, the Post reported, citing a Trump insider, that the president is asking around for input on what to do about Hegseth. "Knives are definitely out for him among senior West Wing staff," a source close to the White House said, adding, "I don't know if it's a foregone conclusion that he's gone." A third person close to the White House said, "somebody has to own this." The same person added, "When the word 'war' is in your title then you might be the person in the crosshairs," he quipped.5,1
The White House said Hegseth retains Trump's support. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement that Hegseth had Trump's full confidence, praising military efforts in Venezuela and the Iran war and pointing to Hegseth's opposition to "DEI and woke ideology."3
The Pentagon said Hegseth does not plan to leave. "We will continue to drive [Trump's] agenda at the Department of War — despite threats of sham witch hunts from Democrats — and Secretary Hegseth is 100% committed to leading the Department until the end of President Trump's term in office," Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said.5
Hegseth, a former Fox News personality who advocated for and oversaw the Iran conflict, faces calls for his removal. Outgoing Republican Rep. Thomas Massie is among members of Congress who have called for his impeachment, and Hegseth faces a possible bipartisan impeachment vote this year and insiders believe Democratic gains in the Senate mean he would face a public trial next year. John Ullyot, who served in national defense roles in both Trump terms, said, "Hegseth has been a human wrecking ball swinging through one of our oldest and proudest institutions, and it will take years to undo the damage." Ullyot added, "He's well past his sell-by date, and it's time to give him the heave-ho," and said, "Any self-respecting leader with his record, in the military or the corporate world, would leave on his own before being shown the door."3,5
One option discussed is an appointment to fill the Senate seat being vacated by Tennessee Sen. Blackburn after her election as governor. Reports differ on Hegseth's interest: The New Republic said Hegseth had hoped Blackburn would win so she could appoint him, allowing him to avoid being fired or impeached, while the Post reported that Hegseth is ruling out a Senate appointment. The outlets also differ on Blackburn's first name, with The New Republic identifying her as Marsha Blackburn and the Post identifying her as Martha Blackburn. Trump said Hegseth would be popular in the seat but said he had not heard of the plan, and a fourth person close to Trump said if he were in Hegseth's position he would seek the appointment. Republican Rep. Tim Burchett, who campaigned for Blackburn, is also seen as a contender.3,4,5
If Hegseth leaves, one source cited by CBS said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis could be a possible replacement, and could get a speedy confirmation by the lame-duck Republican Senate before the end of the year. Other sources cited by CBS said Trump could instead place blame on other military leaders, including Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Trump hasn't made his decision yet.3
The Post noted that Trump used similar praise before dismissing former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem this year, and noted a historical parallel in President George W. Bush's announcement of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's resignation on Nov. 8, 2006, the day after midterm losses tied to dissatisfaction with the Iraq War. The Washington Examiner framed the question as whether Hegseth's job is safe with the Iran war taking blame for Democratic gains.5,2
Sources cited by the Post said Hegseth is an obvious near-term option for removal in part because confirmation of a successor will become more difficult after power changes hands in January.5
