Trump says Hegseth doing ‘a very good job’ as questions swirl about his future

US President Donald Trump defended Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday, despite Democrats gaining control of both chambers of Congress in midterm elections fueled by voter discontent over the Iran war. Trump told reporters, "No, I think he's doing a very good job," contrasting his support with former President George Bush's firing of Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld following the 2006 midterm elections amid voter anger over the Iraq war.

Sources suggest Trump might still consider replacing Hegseth, with one adviser stating, "Someone is going to get blamed for this and you know it's not going to be him." Hegseth, a proponent of the Iran war, could face scrutiny over his handling of the conflict and potential impeachment threats. Meanwhile, Trump suggested Hegseth might fill the Senate seat vacated by Marsha Blackburn, who won a gubernatorial election.