{
  "id": 18994298,
  "title": "Trump 'would get ratings bump for firing Hegseth', like on The Apprentice",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/trump-would-get-ratings-bump-for-firing-hegseth-like-on-the-apprentice",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T18:38:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-09/donald-trump-revamping-team-and-pete-hegeth-could-be-next/107358974"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "White House officials have confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could be among the administration's potential targets for removal in the wake of the Republican Party's midterms. Hegseth, a former soldier and television personality, has been widely regarded as one of Trump's most controversial cabinet nominees. Critics have pointed to his vocal support for military intervention in Iran, a position that has been deeply unpopular among the American public and contributed to the midterm losses. Experts suggest that the president might be looking to make a TV ratings bump by firing Hegseth, much like he did during his appearances on The Apprentice. Tom Popinsky, a government professor at Cornell University, believes that Trump seeing Hegseth as a pawn in his own reality TV show is not out of the question. He imagines the spectacle of the president saying, \"Hegseth, you're fired,\" and the subsequent media frenzy. However, the prospect of impeachment from Congress is also on the table, as Democrats plan to control both houses of Congress in the coming months. Multiple politicians have already announced their intention to impeach Hegseth, citing his incompetence, corruption, and undermining of troop safety. Outgoing Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has even promised to force a vote on impeachment as one of his final acts. Despite these challenges, Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing and dismissed the impeachment accusations as \"political theatre.\"",
  "summary": "The US president's ambition to leverage his final two years sparks speculation that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could be among the casualties.",
  "key_points": [
    "White House confirms potential removal of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.",
    "Critics blame Hegseth's Iran intervention stance for midterm losses.",
    "Democrats plan to impeach Hegseth upon controlling Congress."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}