Washington, D.C. [U.S.], November 5 (ANI): Following a bruising round of midterm elections that resulted in major losses for the ruling party, President Donald Trump is reportedly evaluating whether to retain Pete Hegseth as secretary of war, with the ongoing war in Iran serving as a central point in internal discussions, according to a CBS News report citing multiple individuals familiar with the situation.
According to the outlet, Trump has raised the matter during phone conversations and consultations with close advisers, though no final decision regarding a potential personnel change has been reached. These deliberations coincide with growing scrutiny in Washington over the broader political impact of the U.S. war in Iran.
Beyond Cabinet-level evaluations, senior White House aides indicate that top military officials may also face mounting pressure following the election outcome. Sources noted that Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, could face legislative and public scrutiny because of their advisory roles concerning the war in Iran.
Weighing heavily on the administration’s internal calculations, Vice President JD Vance explicitly linked the conflict to the electoral setback. In a public statement shared on X, Vance wrote, “The reason we lost is the war.”
Speculation surrounding a potential departure from the Pentagon has also prompted discussion about possible replacements. According to a separate report, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has emerged as a possible candidate for the position. Observers suggest DeSantis could potentially secure Senate confirmation during the lame-duck period before assuming the defense portfolio following the conclusion of his gubernatorial term on January 5.
Despite the rumors circulating within the administration, Trump publicly dismissed the possibility of removing his Cabinet official when questioned by journalists.
Addressing reporters, Trump stated, “No, I think he’s doing a very good job.” When further questioned about whether Hegseth might instead move to the federal legislature to fill a vacant Senate seat in Tennessee, Trump remarked, “I actually think he’d be very popular if he did that,” while clarifying that he “haven’t heard that at all.”
The administration has similarly rejected suggestions that Hegseth’s Cabinet position is in jeopardy. In an official statement, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly asserted that the president “has full confidence in Secretary Hegseth.” Kelly further defended the administration’s military operations in Iran and Venezuela while commending Hegseth’s efforts to dismantle diversity and equity initiatives introduced by the previous administration.
Even before the legislative setbacks, Hegseth was already facing calls for impeachment from opposition lawmakers. With Democrats projected to secure strong majorities in both chambers of Congress, legislative pressure and potential impeachment proceedings could intensify. (ANI)
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