Media: Trump discusses possible resignation of Hegseth after Republican defeat
US President Donald Trump has begun discussing with advisers the possibility of dismissing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth after the Republican Party's major defeat in the midterm congressional elections on November 3. One of the reasons for these personnel discussions was the war with Iran, which, in the opinion of several administration officials, influenced the voting results.
CBS News reported this on November 4, citing several sources familiar with the situation.
According to the television channel, Trump personally asked advisers whether Hegseth should remain at the head of the Pentagon. The president asked such questions both during personal conversations and by phone.
However, the sources emphasize that no final decision on the defense secretary's resignation has yet been made.
Some White House officials suggest that responsibility for the political consequences of the war with Iran may be placed not only on Hegseth but also on Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, and General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Both military leaders played important roles in planning and conducting the military operation against Iran.
According to one of CBS News' sources, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is being discussed as a possible successor to Hegseth. His candidacy could potentially be pushed through the Senate confirmation process before the new Congress begins its work.
In that case, DeSantis could take over at the Pentagon after finishing his term as governor on January 5, 2027. However, no official statements about considering his candidacy have been made yet.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated in response to a CBS News inquiry that the president fully trusts Pete Hegseth. She also positively assessed the secretary's actions during US military operations in Iran and Venezuela.
Trump himself previously publicly ruled out large-scale personnel reshuffles in the administration due to the election results. In an interview with Fox News, the president said he did not plan to change the composition of the government because, in his view, the Republican defeat was not connected to the work of his cabinet members.
The discussion about Hegseth's possible resignation is taking place against the backdrop of a significant change in the political situation in Washington. As a result of the midterm elections, the Democratic Party won majorities in both houses of the US Congress.
Vice President JD Vance publicly linked the Republican defeat to the war against Iran. In his assessment, this conflict became one of the main reasons for voter dissatisfaction.
Even before the elections, Democratic Party representatives attempted to initiate impeachment proceedings against Hegseth. After gaining a majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate, Democrats' ability to conduct investigations into the administration's activities will significantly expand.
Thus, despite reports of discussions about the future of the Pentagon chief, Hegseth continues to hold the position of US Secretary of Defense. No official decision about his dismissal or the appointment of a successor has been announced.
