Hegseth Faces Political Reckoning After Iran War Costs Republicans Congress

President Donald Trump is standing behind Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth despite mounting pressure over the Iran war and Republican losses in Tuesday’s midterm elections.

The president’s defense comes as Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers of Congress and launch investigations into Hegseth’s leadership of the Pentagon. However, sources close to the administration suggest the defense secretary’s future remains uncertain as Republicans confront the political consequences of the increasingly unpopular conflict, Reuters reported Wednesday.

“No, I think he’s doing a very good job,” Trump told reporters Wednesday when asked whether he was considering replacing Hegseth, according to a video published by the White House.

Trump doubled down Thursday, saying he had “every intention to keep him” despite receiving calls from people dissatisfied with Hegseth’s performance, according to an interview with ABC News.

The president’s public support has not eliminated concerns about Hegseth’s position within the administration.

One Trump adviser suggested Hegseth “could be on the chopping block” as Republicans search for someone to hold responsible for the election losses, according to Reuters.

Democrats captured both the House and Senate in Tuesday’s elections, benefiting from voter frustration over rising living costs and the prolonged conflict with Iran, according to the Associated Press.

The conflict has become a political liability for Republicans, with Trump himself acknowledging that the war contributed to the party’s electoral losses.

“The Iran thing we had to do, and we continue to do it,” Trump said Wednesday, defending his decision to wage the conflict despite the election results, according to Reuters.