Pete Hegseth may take fall for Republicans’ midterm losses, despite Trump support

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump defended Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating that he believed Hegseth was doing a "very good job" amid widespread questions about his role in the Pentagon following Democrats' capture of both chambers of Congress in the 2022 midterm elections. This stance contrasted with former President George H.W. Bush's decision to fire Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld immediately after the 2006 midterm elections, as discontent over the Iraq War contributed to Democrats' gains in Congress.

Trump had previously praised Hegseth as a key advocate for the unpopular Iran war, describing him as "the first one to speak up" and saying, "Let's do it, because you can't let them have a nuclear weapon." Recently, Vice-President Kamala Harris questioned the war's worth, and it's widely believed to have contributed to Republicans' electoral losses.

Hegseth, a former Army National Guard soldier, has been a contentious figure within the Republican Party, even facing impeachment threats from Republican Representative Thomas Massie for allegedly launching hostilities against Iran without congressional approval.

The Pentagon has confirmed that Hegseth will continue to lead the department until the end of Trump's term in January 2029. However, the White House has referred to Trump's public remarks on Hegseth, and the defence department maintains that he is 100% committed to his role. Democrats have vowed to investigate Hegseth and his handling of the Pentagon, including his management of the Iran war and the recent purges of military officers.

Additionally, his relationship with lawmakers and policies on Ukraine and Latin American waterways could face scrutiny from lawmakers.