Trump backs Defence Secretary Hegseth despite speculation over possible removal
The endorsement comes as the Republican Party faces losses in midterm elections and pressure over the war with Iran.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday publicly backed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, dismissing questions about his possible removal. According to India Today, Trump told reporters he thinks Hegseth is doing a very good job when asked if he was considering replacing him following Tuesday's election results.
The endorsement follows the Republican Party's defeat in the midterm elections, where Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress. Voter dissatisfaction regarding the conflict with Iran emerged as a major factor in the losses. One Trump adviser suggested Hegseth could be a casualty of the political setback due to the war.
Vice President JD Vance questioned on Wednesday whether the conflict was worth the cost, stating it contributed to Republicans losing control of Congress. Republican Senator Thom Tillis also said Hegseth had a reckoning ahead of him, noting that the Defence Secretary's strained relationship with lawmakers was undermining efforts to secure a proposed $1.5 trillion defence spending package.
Democratic lawmakers have promised investigations into Hegseth's management of the Pentagon. These may include the conduct of the Iran war, the removal of senior military officers, and US policy towards Ukraine. Representative Adam Smith, who is expected to head the House Armed Services Committee next year, has promised extensive oversight.
The Pentagon stated that Hegseth remains 100 per cent committed to leading the department until the end of Trump's term on January 20, 2029. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell defended the Defence Secretary, saying he would not be deterred by politicians seeking to launch investigations.
