After GOP midterm defeat, Trump asks advisers if Hegseth should stay

Multiple sources who spoke to CBS News said President Donald Trump was asking advisers whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should remain in office after the Republicans’ heavy midterm defeat. Trump, however, told reporters that Hegseth was “doing a very good job.”

CBS News reported, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, that U.S. President Donald Trump had asked close associates and advisers he spoke with by phone whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should remain in office after the Republicans lost both chambers of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections. CBS News also reported that Trump had not yet decided whether to replace Hegseth.

Some White House officials expect part of the blame for the defeat to fall on U.S. Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, who played major roles in guidance related to the war in Iran. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been discussed as a possible replacement for Hegseth. CBS News reported that one source argued DeSantis could secure Senate confirmation before the new Congress takes office and move to the department when his term as governor ends on January 5.

ABD Savunma Bakanı Pete Hegseth (arşiv)

Asked Wednesday afternoon whether he was considering dismissing Hegseth, Trump replied, “No, I think he’s doing a very good job.” Asked whether he wanted Hegseth appointed to the Senate seat that will become vacant when Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn takes office as governor, Trump said, “I think he would actually be very well-liked if he did that, but I’ve never heard anything like that.” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly also said that the president had “full confidence” in Hegseth.

Democrats had launched an impeachment effort against Hegseth before the election. Their gaining strong majorities in both chambers of Congress could clear the way for that effort. Vice President JD Vance had said that the reason for the defeat was the war in Iran.

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