Trump expresses support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid growing political pressure

President Donald Trump publicly stated on Wednesday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is doing a very good job managing the Department of Defense. The Daily Times reports this endorsement follows significant Republican losses in the midterm elections, amid questioning from congressional insiders and political analysts regarding Hegseth's future.

While the White House expressed having full confidence in Hegseth, Gulf News reports that Trump has been asking aides via phone and in person whether the secretary should remain in his position.

According to CNN, GOP lawmakers and allies are increasing blame on Hegseth for the war, with a potential impeachment vote possible as early as next week. Gulf News notes that Vice President JD Vance attributed the Republican midterm losses to the war, and Trump told The Wall Street Journal that the war was a component of the defeat.

CBS News reported that some White House aides expect part of the blame to fall on Adm. Dan Caine. Additionally, a source told CBS that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Hegseth, though other sources indicated Trump has not decided to replace him.

Brief written by urgent.news from Daily Times, Gulf News — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.