Trump Backs Pete Hegseth as Democrats and Republicans Demand His Exit After Midterm Defeat

US President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed calls for Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's removal, saying he had no intention of replacing the Pentagon chief.

“I have every intention to keep him. I get these calls, you know, about him. I don’t understand why,” Trump told ABC News, according to the network’s chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl.

The opposition to Hegseth has grown following the Republicans’ losses in the midterms, which saw Democrats reclaim control of both chambers of Congress. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries questioned why Hegseth remained in office, posting on X: “Why is Pete Hegseth still around?”

Democratic Representative Jason Crow, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, called Hegseth “incompetent” and said his continued presence at the Pentagon put American service personnel at greater risk.

Representative Patrick Ryan, a former Army intelligence officer, also said removing Hegseth would be the first priority for the incoming Democratic majority.

REPUBLICAN LAWMAKER THREATENS IMPEACHMENT

Hegseth is also facing pressure from within his own party. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has threatened to revive a 34-page impeachment resolution against the Secretary of War when Congress reconvenes.

“There is one contingency in which I won’t reintroduce the articles of impeachment: Hegseth resigns,” Massie wrote on X on November 4.

According to CNN, Massie intends to seek a House vote on the resolution when lawmakers return for the next session. His earlier attempt did not reach a formal floor vote before the House adjourned for the midterm campaign.

The resolution, introduced in September, accused Hegseth of overstepping his authority during military operations in Iran, Yemen, Venezuela and elsewhere, and of bypassing congressional oversight. It also raised concerns about military operations and civilian casualties. These are allegations made by Massie and have not been established as formal findings of misconduct.

VANCE BLAMES IRAN WAR FOR REPUBLICAN DEFEAT

The calls for Hegseth’s removal come as senior members of the Trump administration acknowledge the political cost of the war in Iran.

Vice President JD Vance directly attributed the Republican defeat to the conflict, rejecting the argument that poor voter turnout was primarily responsible. He said internal polling suggested that some voters who had supported the Trump-Vance ticket in 2024 had switched to Democratic candidates.

“The real reason we lost is obvious to almost everyone... The reason we lost is the war. The president himself said so last night,” Vance wrote on X.

Trump agreed that the war had contributed to the party’s electoral setback, particularly by pushing up petrol prices, but defended the military campaign.

“I think it’s largely true because it drove the gasoline up a little bit short-term,” he said, adding that he would make the same decision again to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Trump also dismissed the possibility of Democrats pursuing impeachment proceedings against him, saying such a move would damage the Democratic Party.

RON DESANTIS EMERGES AS POSSIBLE SUCCESSOR

Amid speculation over Hegseth’s future, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has emerged as a possible candidate to take over the defence portfolio, according to reports.

DeSantis could potentially secure Senate confirmation during the lame-duck period before his gubernatorial tenure ends on January 5.

The White House is also facing questions over the role of senior military officials in advising the administration on the Iran war. Reports suggest that Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, and General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, could face increased scrutiny from lawmakers.

DEMOCRATS PREPARE TO INTENSIFY OVERSIGHT

The midterm results are expected to give Democrats greater leverage over the Trump administration. Control of the House would allow the party to pursue investigations and hearings, while a Senate majority would strengthen its influence over legislation and presidential nominations.

Hegseth had faced impeachment calls even before the election. The Republican losses, combined with growing criticism of the Iran war, could intensify the scrutiny of his tenure.

For now, Trump has publicly stood by his defence chief even as calls for his departure grow across Capitol Hill.

With inputs from ANI