World

Trump Considers Replacing Defence Secretary Amid Midterm Losses

By Gokul Ankari

President Donald Trump is weighing whether to keep Pete Hegseth as defence secretary after Republicans suffered major losses in the midterm elections, according to CBS News citing multiple sources familiar with the matter. Trump has raised the issue with advisers and in phone conversations, but has not yet decided whether to replace Hegseth. The discussions come as the administration faces questions over the political impact of the U.S. war in Iran. Some White House aides believe senior military officials could also face scrutiny over the election outcome. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, and General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are among those who could be criticized because of their roles in advising on the Iran war, according to the sources. Vice President J.D. Vance has directly linked the conflict to the Republican defeat, tweeting, "The reason we lost is the war." The possibility of Hegseth leaving the Pentagon has prompted discussion about potential replacements. One source told a news organization that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is being considered as a possible candidate for the position. The source suggested DeSantis could secure Senate confirmation during the lame‑duck period before taking up the defence secretary role after his gubernatorial term ends on January 5. Trump publicly dismissed the prospect of replacing Hegseth when questioned by reporters on Wednesday afternoon, saying, "No, I think he's doing a very good job." He was also asked whether Hegseth could instead be appointed to the Senate seat expected to become vacant when Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn takes office as governor. Trump responded, "I actually think he'd be very popular if he did that," but added that he "haven't heard that at all." The White House has also rejected suggestions that Hegseth's position is under threat. Spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement that Trump "has full confidence in Secretary Hegseth" and defended the administration's military operations in Iran and Venezuela, praising Hegseth’s efforts to reverse what she described as the previous Biden administration’s emphasis on "DEI and woke ideology." Hegseth was already facing calls for impeachment from Democrats before the midterm elections. With Democrats expected to hold strong majorities in both chambers of Congress, the likelihood of an impeachment effort could increase.