Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
Trump backs Hegseth after Republicans lose control of Congress
US President Donald Trump said Pete Hegseth is doing a very good job and that he is not considering replacing him as defense secretary.
The comments came after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in midterm elections.
Voter anger over the Iran war helped drive Republican losses, and Hegseth has been one of its leading public supporters.
Some Republicans have raised doubts about his future, while a Trump adviser said he could be blamed for the war.
Democrats plan to investigate Hegseth and his handling of the Pentagon, including the Iran war and changes to senior military leadership.
The dispute could also affect the administration’s effort to win approval for a $1.5 trillion defense spending package.
Hegseth says he is committed to leading the Pentagon through Trump’s term, which ends on January 20, 2029.
President Donald Trump publicly backed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Nov. 4, saying he was doing “a very good job.”
The statement came after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in midterm elections, with voter anger over the Iran war cited as a factor.
Reports said Trump had discussed Hegseth’s possible dismissal with aides, though he said he had no plan to fire him.
Some Republicans and Democrats have criticized Hegseth, and Democrats have promised investigations into his handling of the Pentagon.
- Who
- President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- What
- Trump publicly backed Hegseth after reports that he had discussed replacing him with aides.
- When
- Nov. 4, 2026, the day after the midterm elections.
- Where
- Washington, including the White House.
- Why
- Democrats won control of both chambers after an election shaped in part by voter anger over the Iran war, which has raised questions about who bears responsibility.
Trump
Republican critics and advisers
Hegseth's future
Trump
Trump said Hegseth was doing “a very good job” and denied plans to fire him.
Republican critics and advisers
Some advisers said Hegseth could be blamed for the Iran war, while Republican Senator Thom Tillis said his suitability should be considered.
Handling of the Iran war
Trump
Trump has publicly credited Hegseth as an early supporter of the military action.
Republican critics and advisers
Representative Thomas Massie accused Hegseth of launching hostilities against Iran without congressional approval; Democrats have promised investigations.
Trump said Hegseth had been among the first to support action against Iran.
Midterm elections resulted in Democrats winning control of both chambers of Congress.
Senator Thom Tillis said Hegseth had “a reckoning” coming and questioned whether he was the best person to take the administration’s needs to Congress.
Trump told reporters Hegseth was doing “a very good job” and denied plans to fire him.
- Election result
- Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress
- Defense secretary
- Pete Hegseth
- Trump’s response
- Hegseth was doing “a very good job
- Defense spending package
- US$1.5 trillion
- Pentagon leadership term
- Trump’s term ends Jan. 20, 2029
5 sources
Pete Hegseth may take fall for Republicans’ midterm losses, despite Trump support
Trump says Hegseth doing ‘a very good job’ as questions swirl about Defense Secretary’s future
トランプ氏が国防長官の交代相談か 中間選挙大敗、イラン攻撃の責任
Trump says he has no plans to dismiss Pentagon chief Hegseth
Trump über Hegseth: 'Macht einen sehr guten Job'
What people are saying
No, I think he’s doing a very good job.
could be on the chopping block
I think after the election, we need to determine whether or not he’s the best person to bring those needs to Congress if he wants something done before the end of this Congress, which is only 60 days away
100% committed