Trump weighs if Hegseth should stay after midterm losses: Who could replace him as Pentagon chief?

Washington (United States): US President Donald Trump has reportedly asked advisers whether Pete Hegseth should remain as Secretary of War following the Republican Party's setbacks in the midterm elections, with the ongoing war in Iran emerging as a key factor in discussions.

According to a CBS News report citing multiple people familiar with the matter, Trump has raised Hegseth's position during phone calls and discussions with close advisers. However, no final decision has been taken on whether to replace him.

The discussions come amid growing political scrutiny of the administration's handling of the Iran war, which Vice President JD Vance has linked directly to the Republicans' election losses.

"The reason we lost is the war," Vance wrote in a post on X.

DeSantis among possible replacements

Speculation over Hegseth's future has also brought Florida Governor Ron DeSantis into the picture as a possible successor, with a CBS News report citing a source familiar with the discussions.

DeSantis could potentially secure Senate confirmation during the lame-duck period before his term as Florida governor ends on January 5. He could then take over the Pentagon's top civilian leadership position.

However, the reports have not established that Trump has decided to replace Hegseth or formally offered the position to DeSantis.
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Trump publicly backs Hegseth

Despite reports of internal discussions, Trump has publicly defended Hegseth and dismissed suggestions that he could be removed from the Cabinet.

Asked by reporters whether he was considering replacing the defence chief, Trump said, "No, I think he's doing a very good job."

He was also asked whether Hegseth could move to the US Senate to fill a vacant seat in Tennessee. Trump said, "I actually think he'd be very popular if he did that," but added that he had "not heard that at all".

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly also rejected suggestions that Hegseth's position was under threat, saying the president "has full confidence in Secretary Hegseth".

Kelly defended the administration's military operations in Iran and Venezuela and praised Hegseth's efforts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives introduced under the previous administration.
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Iran war puts military leadership under scrutiny

Hegseth is not the only senior figure facing potential scrutiny over the Iran conflict.

White House aides believe that top military officials, including US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, could face increased congressional and public scrutiny over their roles in advising the administration on the war.

Hegseth was already facing impeachment calls from opposition lawmakers even before the midterm election setbacks.

With Democrats projected to secure strong majorities in both chambers of Congress, pressure on the defence secretary could intensify, potentially bringing renewed attention to his leadership and the administration's military decisions.