Trump Consults Advisers About Replacing Hegseth After Midterm Defeat, but Publicly Defends Defense S

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has privately consulted advisers about whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should remain in his position following Republicans’ sweeping midterm election losses, according to a Wednesday report, even as the president publicly defended Hegseth’s performance and denied considering his removal.

Multiple sources familiar with the discussions told CBS News that Trump had spoken with advisers in person and by telephone about Hegseth’s future after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in Tuesday’s elections.

The discussions come amid growing Republican concerns about the political consequences of the war with Iran, which Vice President JD Vance identified as a central reason for the party’s defeat.

Despite the reported private conversations, Trump dismissed speculation about an imminent leadership change when questioned by reporters Wednesday afternoon.

“No, I think he’s doing a very good job,” Trump said when asked whether he was considering replacing Hegseth.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly reinforced that position, saying the president “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 diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives adopted under the Biden administration.

The administration’s public statements contrasted with the private discussions described by CBS News, although sources acknowledged that Trump had not decided to remove the defense secretary.

One person familiar with the conversations said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had been mentioned as a possible replacement.

Under that scenario, DeSantis could potentially undergo Senate confirmation during the remaining weeks of Republican congressional control before his gubernatorial term ends Jan. 5.

There has been no formal nomination, and the White House has not announced plans to replace Hegseth.

The speculation follows Democratic victories that dramatically altered the political landscape in Washington and intensified scrutiny of the administration’s military strategy.

Vance publicly attributed the Republican defeat to the Iran conflict in a lengthy statement Wednesday.

“The reason we lost is the war,” Vance wrote, arguing that many Americans who supported Trump in 2024 voted for Democrats in the midterms because of dissatisfaction with the fighting and its economic consequences.

Trump subsequently acknowledged that he had anticipated political opposition to the military campaign but maintained that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons justified the operation.

The president’s remarks underscored the disagreement between the administration’s defense of the war and concerns among Republicans about its electoral consequences.

According to CBS News, some White House aides expect criticism of the military campaign to extend beyond Hegseth to senior uniformed officers involved in its planning.

Those officials include Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, which oversees American military operations across much of the Middle East, and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Both played significant roles in advising the administration on the Iran conflict.

However, the report did not establish that either officer would be removed or formally held responsible for the election results.

Hegseth has been among the administration’s most prominent defenders of the military operation, which has generated substantial controversy over its strategic objectives, costs and consequences for the American economy.

The war has disrupted energy markets and contributed to higher fuel prices, a major issue during the midterm campaign.

The defense secretary also faces the prospect of intensified congressional investigations when Democrats assume control in January.

Democratic lawmakers had already pursued impeachment efforts against Hegseth before the election, questioning his handling of military operations and the administration’s use of force.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has also threatened impeachment proceedings unless Hegseth resigns, according to Forbes reporting published Thursday.

The incoming Democratic majorities will gain the authority to conduct hearings, issue subpoenas and investigate Pentagon decisions, including the conduct of the Iran war, changes in military leadership and strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels.

An impeachment proceeding would require approval by a majority of the House, while conviction and removal from office would require a two-thirds vote in the Senate.

Hegseth’s position could also become a factor in negotiations over Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget, which will require congressional approval.

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina has questioned whether Hegseth could effectively secure the legislative support needed for such an extensive spending proposal, according to Reuters.

Another possibility raised publicly involves the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Tennessee Republican Marsha Blackburn, who won the state’s gubernatorial election Tuesday.

When reporters asked whether Hegseth might be appointed to the position, Trump said he believed the defense secretary could attract support in Tennessee.

“I actually think he’d be very popular if he did that,” Trump said, adding, “but I haven’t heard that at all.”

The president’s comments did not indicate that such an appointment was under consideration.

Hegseth narrowly won Senate confirmation in January 2025 after Vance cast a tie-breaking vote, reflecting concerns among some Republicans about his qualifications and past controversies.

Since taking office, he has overseen significant changes to Pentagon leadership, military personnel policies and the administration’s approach to national security.

His continued service now depends on whether Trump chooses to maintain the current defense leadership or make personnel changes as Republicans reassess their election defeat.

As of Thursday, Nov. 5, no decision to replace Hegseth had been announced. The White House continued expressing confidence in the defense secretary, while reports of private consultations and potential successors indicated that his future remained a subject of discussion within the administration.