Trump vows to keep Secretary of War Hegseth despite lawmaker pressure
Lawmakers from both parties are demanding the dismissal of Pete Hegseth following Republican losses in the 2026 US midterm elections.
President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he intends to retain Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, despite intense pressure from lawmakers to dismiss him. According to The Tribune, the calls for Hegseth's removal follow the 2026 US midterm elections, where Democrats regained control of both chambers of Congress.
The demand for Hegseth's departure is being driven by senior Democrats and anti-war Republicans who link the election results to the administration's military campaign in Iran. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries questioned Hegseth's continued presence on X, while Representative Jason Crow (D-CO) described the Pentagon chief as incompetent.
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY) has issued an ultimatum, stating he will reintroduce a 34-page impeachment resolution when Congress reconvenes unless Hegseth resigns. Representative Patrick Ryan (D-NY) also stated that removing Hegseth must be a primary goal for the new Democratic majority.
Vice President JD Vance attributed the Republican midterm defeat to the war in Iran. President Trump acknowledged that the conflict caused short-term economic issues, such as higher gasoline prices, but defended the decision by stating that Iran cannot be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.
While Trump told ABC News that he does not understand the calls for Hegseth's removal, reports from CBS News suggest the President is evaluating whether to keep the Secretary of War as internal discussions continue regarding the war's political impact.
