Hegseth stays as Pentagon faces war costs and Republican midterm blow
The president defended the defense secretary's handling of the Iran conflict, even as Democrats prepare for potential impeachment probes.
By Fatou Mitchell ·
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will remain in his role, rejecting speculation that the administration might swap him out following Republican midterm losses.
The president told reporters in Washington that Hegseth is "doing a great job." He addressed rumors that the secretary might run for the Tennessee Senate seat currently held by Marsha Blackburn, predicting Hegseth would be "very popular" in the state. Blackburn, who won the Tennessee gubernatorial race on Tuesday, declined to discuss who should replace her in the Senate, calling it "not a conversation for today."
The decision to keep Hegseth comes as Republicans process the political impact of the eight month war with Iran. The conflict has raised gas prices and increased living costs, factors widely cited in the party's midterm defeat. Trump defended the military campaign, stating, "The Iran thing we had to do, and we continue to do it." He expressed confidence that the war will prove worthwhile in the long term.
Hegseth previously declared a "historic and overwhelming victory" over Iran in April. Despite that claim, fighting continued for months, resulting in American troop casualties and the consumption of expensive munitions that may take years to replace. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told ABC News that Hegseth is "100% committed to leading the Department until the end of President Trump's term in office." Parnell added that the secretary will not be deterred by politicians seeking to score partisan points.
Democrats, now holding a congressional majority, plan to intensify oversight of the administration. Hegseth is expected to be a primary target for scrutiny and possible impeachment proceedings. Lawmakers intend to use subpoena power to question Pentagon officials regarding the Iran war, strikes on suspected drug smuggling boats, and the firing of senior military officers.
Vice President JD Vance, a potential 2028 Republican presidential candidate, publicly attributed the party's loss to the conflict. In a social media post on Wednesday, Vance wrote, "The reason we lost is the war." He noted that the president had acknowledged this point the previous night. Vance argued that while Republicans can debate the war's merits, an honest conversation about the party's future must start with the electoral consequences.
ABC News Voter Poll data indicates that 34% of U.S. House voters considered the Iran war "crucial" to their decision. Higher percentages, 49% and 55% respectively, cited the cost of living and government corruption as decisive factors. Trump has privately sought input from allies about Hegseth's performance as the administration navigates the post election environment.
The administration aims to balance its investigative defense with affordability measures that helped drive the midterm turnout. Hegseth intends to serve through the end of the current term, according to his spokesperson.
