CBS News reported that Trump has not decided whether to replace Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, though he has asked advisers about Hegseth’s future after Republican midterm losses.
CBS News cited multiple people familiar with the conversations. Trump has not decided to replace Hegseth, the outlet reported. On Wednesday, Trump told reporters, “No, I think he’s doing a very good job.” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the president “has full confidence in Secretary Hegseth.”
The election outcome could also intensify pressure from Democrats. CBS News reported that Democrats were already pursuing impeachment efforts before the vote and that their stronger majorities in both chambers could raise the likelihood of another effort. The development follows EconoTimes’ earlier report on possible wider Democratic scrutiny of Hegseth.
Some White House aides expect senior military leaders to absorb part of the political fallout, CBS News reported. The outlet said Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, could face blame because of their roles in guidance on the Iran war. Vice President JD Vance also blamed the conflict for the losses, writing on X Wednesday, “The reason we lost is the war.”
CBS News said one source familiar with the discussions had raised Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a possible Hegseth successor. The source said the Senate could confirm DeSantis during its lame-duck period, with him taking the post after his gubernatorial term expires Jan. 5.
