Trump weighs whether Hegseth should stay after Republican midterm losses
Following Republican midterm losses, President Donald Trump has reportedly asked advisers whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should remain in his post, according to CBS News sources. Outlets reported that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was floated as a possible replacement, while The Wall Street Journal reported Trump said he is not considering replacing Hegseth. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Hegseth had Trump's full confidence, and Trump told reporters Hegseth was "doing a very good job." No final decision has been confirmed.
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Pete Hegseth Faces Pressure After Republican Midterm Losses
A Google News aggregation of headlines from The Guardian, CNN, The Washington Post, CBS News, and USA Today reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may become a scapegoat for Republican midterm losses. The Guardian says Hegseth may take the fall despite Trump's support, while CNN reports Republicans quickly turned against him after a midterms rout. The Washington Post describes 'knives out' at the Pentagon after an unpopular Iran war doomed the GOP, and CBS News reports Trump is asking advisers whether Hegseth should stay. USA Today notes Hegseth faces a likely impeachment vote and is not the only one. The headlines attribute these claims to unnamed sources and reporting, and no final decision on Hegseth's tenure is confirmed.
Read sourceTrump weighs DeSantis for Pentagon as Hegseth faces post-midterm pressure
Following Republican midterm losses, President Trump is reportedly considering replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, according to a CBS News source. Trump has asked advisers whether Hegseth should remain, while Republicans have quickly turned against Hegseth. The Washington Post reports 'knives out' at the Pentagon after an unpopular Iran war dooms the GOP in midterms. Trump also suggested Hegseth would be 'very popular' as a Tennessee senator, indicating possible alternative roles.
Read sourceTrump Weighs Firing Hegseth After Republican Midterm Losses
President Donald Trump may soon remove Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth following massive Republican losses in Tuesday's midterm elections, CBS News reports. Trump has been asking advisers whether Hegseth should keep his job due to the poorly going Iran war, which NBC exit polls showed 74 percent of voters considered a crucial or major factor in their vote. Hegseth was already under pressure before the midterms, with many in Congress calling for his impeachment, including outgoing Republican Representative Thomas Massie. Hegseth reportedly hoped Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn would win her governor's race so she could appoint him to fill her Senate seat, providing a graceful exit, though Blackburn won and Hegseth would face competition such as Republican Representative Tim Burchett. CBS sources said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis could be a possible replacement and could get speedy confirmation by the lame-duck Republican Senate. Trump has not decided, and some White House sources think he might blame other military leaders such as Admiral Brad Cooper or General Dan Caine. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Hegseth had Trump's full confidence, and Trump told reporters Wednesday, "I think he's doing a very good job."
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Trump Suggests Hegseth Could Be 'Very Popular' as Tennessee Senator After Midterm Losses
Following a disastrous midterm election in which Republicans lost both the House and Senate, President Trump has reportedly asked advisers whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should remain in his post, according to CBS News sources. The Hill reports Trump saying Hegseth would be 'very popular' as a Tennessee senator, suggesting a possible political pivot. Hegseth is said to be digging in as Democrats, emboldened by their midterm victories, plan to go on offense. The Washington Post describes Hegseth as confident and determined to stay. The Daily Beast notes that Trump biographer Maggie Haberman has hinted at who might be next on the president's hit list. The flurry of reports signals post-election uncertainty and potential cabinet shake-ups as the administration recalibrates after sweeping losses.
Read sourceTrump Weighs Whether Hegseth Should Stay After Midterm Losses
Multiple reports indicate President Trump has been asking advisers whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should remain in his cabinet following Republican midterm election losses. CBS News, citing sources, reported that Trump is soliciting advice on the matter, while other outlets described the discussions as considering a possible firing, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis floated as a potential replacement. However, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump said he is not considering replacing Hegseth, creating conflicting accounts. Commentators such as Maggie Haberman suggested a Hegseth departure could be an 'easy move' for Trump after the midterm setbacks. The reports remain attributed to unnamed sources and public statements, with no confirmed decision announced.