Is Pete Hegseth on his way out? Trump weighs Pentagon leadership after GOP setback

US President Donald Trump is considering whether to retain Pete Hegseth as defence secretary after Republicans suffered major losses in the midterm elections, with the Iran war emerging as a possible factor in the administration's internal discussions, CBS News reported citing multiple sources familiar with the matter.

Trump has raised the question with advisers and in phone conversations, although he has not made a decision on whether to replace Hegseth, the sources told the outlet.

The discussions come as the administration faces questions over the political impact of the US war in Iran. Some White House aides believe senior military officials could also face scrutiny over the election outcome. Adm. Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are among those who could face criticism because of their roles in advising on the Iran war, according to sources cited by CBS News.

Vice President JD Vance has directly linked the conflict to the Republican defeat. In a post on X on Wednesday morning, he wrote: "The reason we lost is the war."

The possibility of Hegseth leaving the Pentagon has also prompted discussion about potential replacements. Another source told a news organisation 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, however, publicly dismissed the prospect of replacing Hegseth when questioned by reporters on Wednesday afternoon. "No, I think he's doing a very good job," the president said.

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". Kelly also defended the administration's military operations in Iran and Venezuela and praised 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.