Trump Comes To Hegseth’s Defense
President Donald Trump stood behind War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday, saying he was satisfied with his Pentagon chief’s performance after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress.
Asked whether he was considering replacing Hegseth, Trump replied, “No, I think he’s doing a very good job.”
The president’s endorsement came as Republicans weighed the role of the Iran war in their midterm losses. Trump has credited Hegseth with advocating for military action to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Vice President JD Vance offered a different assessment on Wednesday, questioning whether the war was worth the cost and saying it had cost Republicans their congressional majorities.
Reuters reported that some Trump advisers still saw a possible leadership change at the Pentagon. The White House pointed to Trump’s public remarks, and the Pentagon said Hegseth intends to serve through the end of the president’s term.
Defense Spending Faces a Test on Capitol Hill
One immediate question is whether the administration can advance its $1.5 trillion defense spending package before the current Congress adjourns. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina told CBS News that Hegseth’s strained relationships with lawmakers were making it harder to win support for the proposal.
The dispute also touches on who has the authority to commit U.S. forces to a conflict. Earlier this year, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie filed articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of abusing his office by launching military action against Iran without congressional approval. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the department acted within the law and that Hegseth would continue carrying out Trump’s agenda.
Democrats are preparing to scrutinize Hegseth’s decisions once they take control of Congress. Rep. Adam Smith, who is expected to lead the House Armed Services Committee, has pledged to examine the Iran war and whether political considerations have affected military leadership. The removal of senior officers, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, could also draw scrutiny.
Trump Weighs In on Tennessee Senate Speculation
Hegseth’s name has also surfaced as a possible successor to Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who won the governor’s race on Tuesday. Once she leaves the Senate to take office in January, Hegseth, a Tennessee resident, could be appointed to fill the vacancy.
Trump said he thought Hegseth would be popular in that role but told reporters he had heard nothing about such a move. His answer on Hegseth’s current job was more direct. As Congress prepares for a change in leadership, Trump says he wants his Pentagon chief where he is.