Trump weighs replacing Hegseth after GOP midterm losses over Iran war
Following Republican midterm losses that voters and Vice President JD Vance attributed largely to the unpopular Iran war, President Donald Trump has been asking advisers whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should remain in his post, multiple sources told CBS News. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been floated as a possible replacement, while some White House aides expect blame to fall instead on Adm. Brad Cooper and Gen. Dan Caine. Trump publicly said Hegseth is "doing a very good job," and the White House said he has the president's full confidence. Hegseth also faces eight impeachment accusations filed by Rep. Thomas Massie and promised Democratic investigations.
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Hegseth May Take Fall for GOP Midterm Losses Despite Trump Support
Following Republican midterm losses attributed largely to the unpopular Iran war, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is increasingly seen as likely to take the blame, despite Donald Trump's vocal support. A former senior Pentagon official told CNN the war was primarily a Department of War-led effort, and a Republican close to the White House said Hegseth had been 'either dishonest or incorrect' about timelines and objectives. JD Vance publicly questioned whether the Iran war was worth it and said it cost Republicans control of Congress. Congressman Thomas Massie has filed eight impeachment accusations against Hegseth and plans to force a House vote. Senator Thom Tillis said Hegseth faces 'a reckoning' and that his strained relationship with lawmakers undermines a $1.5tn defense spending push. Trump said he thinks Hegseth is 'doing a very good job.' Democrats promise investigations into the Iran war, military officer purges, Ukraine policy, and Latin America strikes.
Read sourceTrump weighs replacing Hegseth at Pentagon with DeSantis after GOP midterm losses
Following Republicans' catastrophic midterm losses, President Trump has been asking advisers whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should remain in his job, multiple sources told CBS News. Some White House aides expect blame to fall on Adm. Brad Cooper and Gen. Dan Caine over the Iran war, while Vice President JD Vance blamed the war for the defeat. One source said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is being floated as a possible replacement, potentially confirmed in the lame-duck period before his term expires Jan. 5. Trump publicly said he thinks Hegseth is doing a very good job and floated him as a popular potential Tennessee senator, and the White House said the president has full confidence in Hegseth. Sources said Trump has not decided to replace him.
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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