American President Donald Trump has held discussions with advisers and made phone calls to assess whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should remain in office, after the Republican Party suffered a significant defeat in the legislative midterm elections. These internal debates take place against a backdrop marked by controversies over the political impact of the war waged by the United States against Iran, CBS News reports. [1] [2]
Although Trump raised the subject of changing the head of the Pentagon, sources indicate he has not yet made a final decision. Along similar lines, some sources cited by CBS News suggest that high-ranking military officials could also be subject to political scrutiny. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, and General Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, could among those criticized for their role in advising on the Iran war. [1] [2]
Vice President JD Vance directly linked the negative electoral result to the conflict in Iran. In a post on Wednesday morning on the X platform, he stated: 'The reason we lost is the war.' The vice president emphasized that polls show voters want an end to the war, addressing the cost of living and inflation, and a shift in relations with Israel, to return support to the Republican Party. [2]
The possibility of Hegseth's resignation has sparked discussion about potential successors. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been suggested as a candidate considered for the post of Secretary of Defense, given that he might obtain Senate confirmation during the 'lame-duck' period (after the election but before the new Congress is seated), before his gubernatorial term expires on January 5. [1] [2]
However, Donald Trump publicly rejected the notion of replacing Hegseth. Asked by journalists on Wednesday afternoon, the president said: 'No, I think he's doing a very good job.' He was also asked whether Hegseth could be appointed in place of Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, who will become governor. Trump's response was: 'Actually, I think it would be very popular if he did that,' but he added that 'I haven't heard anything about that idea.' [1] [2]
The White House has dismissed suggestions that Hegseth's position is threatened. Spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated in a communication that Trump 'has full confidence in Secretary Hegseth.' She also addressed military operations in Iran and Venezuela and praised Hegseth for efforts to reverse the previous Biden administration's emphasis on 'DEI and woke ideology.' [1] [2]
Before the midterm elections, Hegseth was already subject to impeachment requests from Democrats. With Democrats expected to hold solid majorities in both chambers of Congress, the likelihood of an impeachment proceeding increases. This adds to the fact that Republican representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth last month, accusing him of initiating the Iran conflict without congressional authorization. [1] [2]
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