US President Donald Trump is discussing with his advisers the possible dismissal of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth following the Republicans’ defeat in the midterm elections.
According to CBS News, citing sources, some White House aides predict that part of the blame for the Republican Party’s electoral defeat will also be placed on the head of US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine.
Both officers played a key role in advising Trump on the war with Iran. Vice-President JD Vance also called the military conflict the main reason for the party’s defeat.
At the same time, sources note that the president has not yet made a final decision on replacing the Pentagon chief. Even before the election, Democrats tried to initiate Hegseth’s impeachment, and the likelihood has now increased as they have won a commanding majority in both chambers of Congress.
Among the likely candidates for the post of Defence Secretary, sources name Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Sources suggest the Senate could confirm his nomination during the transition period so that he takes office after his term as governor ends on 5 January.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly denied the rumours of a dismissal and said Trump has full confidence in Hegseth. In her statement, she highlighted the success of military operations in Iran and Venezuela, as well as the reversal of previous Pentagon initiatives on inclusion ideology.
- The Democratic Party won a majority in both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections, the main voting day of which took place on 3 November.
- Trump’s fellow party members are blaming the president for the party’s defeat. Meanwhile, the White House is citing, among other things, the war with Iran and weak candidates as reasons for the election setback.