Talk of a shake-up at the Pentagon drew a firm response from the White House this week. Donald Trump signaled he has no intention of parting ways with Pete Hegseth, even as the Iran war casts a long shadow over Republicans after a punishing election night.
Donald Trump praises Pete Hegseth amid Iran war fallout
Questions about Hegseth’s future surfaced after Republicans suffered heavy defeats in the midterms. On Wednesday, Trump acknowledged that the Iran war played a role in the outcome. The war, now about eight months old, has pushed up gas prices and added to voter worries about living costs. Trump still defended it, calling it a necessary fight that he believes will prove worthwhile over time.
The president waved off the idea of a change atop the Defense Department, saying Hegseth is “doing a great job.” He was also asked about chatter that Hegseth may want the Tennessee Senate seat Marsha Blackburn is about to leave. Trump said he expects Hegseth would be “very popular” there. Blackburn, who won the governor’s race Tuesday, said the question of her successor was not one to take up yet.
Additionally, Sean Parnell told ABC News that Pete Hegseth plans to serve until Trump’s term ends. Also they will not be swayed by what he described as politically motivated probes. The statement came months after Hegseth declared victory over Iran in April. Fighting continued afterward, bringing American casualties, higher energy costs, and heavy use of costly munitions that could take years to replenish.
Democrats, who now hold a congressional majority, claim they will step up oversight of an administration that has faced little of it over the past two years. Hegseth is expected to be a prime target, with impeachment among the possibilities.
The majority could possibly use subpoenas to press Pentagon officials on the Iran war, strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats and the unexplained removal of senior military officers. Party leaders also want affordability to remain their central message.
