Trump considers removing Defence Secretary Hegseth after midterm losses
The US President has held discussions with advisers regarding Pete Hegseth's future following the Republican Party's electoral setbacks.
US President Donald Trump has held consultations with close advisers to discuss whether Pete Hegseth should remain as Defence Secretary, according to reports by The New Indian Express and Moneycontrol. The discussions, which included phone calls and in-person meetings, come after the Republican Party suffered losses in the midterm elections.
The deliberations follow scrutiny over the administration's handling of the war in Iran. Vice President JD Vance has directly linked the electoral setback to the conflict, stating on X that the war was the reason for the loss. Trump acknowledged that the war impacted the polls, noting it drove up gasoline prices, but maintained that he would make the same decision again.
While no final decision has been made regarding Hegseth, the President publicly dismissed the possibility of his removal. When asked by reporters, Trump said he believes Hegseth is doing a very good job. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly also stated that the President has full confidence in the Secretary.
Other senior military officials, including US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, may also face scrutiny over their advice regarding the Iran conflict. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been mentioned in separate reports as a potential successor to Hegseth.
