Knives out for Pete Hegseth as Republicans look for scapegoat

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faces mounting pressure as Democrats plan to target him in Congress and Republicans blame the Iran war he championed for their recent election losses. Hegseth, a former Fox News co-host and National Guard officer, has weathered repeated scandals since his appointment in early 2025, but his tenure may be in jeopardy.

President Donald Trump supports Hegseth, while Vice President JD Vance attributes the election losses to the Iran war. Democrats now hold a majority in both houses of Congress, giving them the authority to investigate and potentially cut Defense Department funding. Trump weighs Hegseth's future as Republicans turn their focus on the Pentagon chief.

Opposition Democrats have vowed to investigate the Department of Defense and the Trump Administration, including the illegal war against Iran. Representative Jason Crow called for Hegseth's removal, citing his incompetence and corruption, while Representative Adam Smith emphasized the need for vigorous oversight of the Defense Department.

Hegseth faces additional threats, including impeachment articles from a Republican member, Thomas Massie, who plans to introduce them when Congress reconvenes.