Trump Weighs Hegseth’s Future as Iran War Fallout Fuels Republican Midterm Disaster

President Donald Trump is reportedly consulting advisers about whether to replace Secretary of War Pete Hegseth following Tuesday’s devastating Republican election losses, with some White House insiders blaming the Pentagon chief for his prominent role in the unpopular war with Iran.

Hegseth, who helped champion and has overseen the military campaign, is emerging as a potential casualty of the election results as Republicans confront the loss of both chambers of Congress. The political fallout has intensified questions about his future, particularly with Democrats preparing to take control of the Senate in January.

The Pentagon, however, insisted Wednesday that Hegseth has no intention of stepping aside, including to accept a possible appointment to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee.

“We will continue to drive [Trump’s] agenda at the Department of War — despite threats of sham witch hunts from Democrats — and Secretary Hegseth is 100% committed to leading the Department until the end of President Trump’s term in office,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said.

According to individuals familiar with discussions inside the administration, senior White House officials have begun considering whether Hegseth should be held accountable for the political damage associated with the Iran conflict.

“Knives are definitely out for him among senior West Wing staff,” one source close to the White House said, while adding, “I don’t know if it’s a foregone conclusion that he’s gone.”

Another person familiar with the president’s thinking said Trump has been seeking opinions from allies about how to handle the situation.

The war has become a major political liability for Republicans, with higher energy costs and inflation contributing to voter dissatisfaction. Both Trump and Vice President JD Vance have acknowledged that the conflict played an important role in the party’s election setbacks.

One individual close to the administration argued that the scale of the Republican defeat would inevitably create pressure for someone to accept responsibility.

“somebody has to own this,” the source said.

“When the word ‘war’ is in your title then you might be the person in the crosshairs,” the individual added.

Despite the growing speculation, Trump publicly defended Hegseth on Wednesday, telling reporters that the secretary was “doing a very good job” and indicating that he had no immediate plans to dismiss him.

The president also suggested that Hegseth could be a strong candidate for a Senate appointment, saying “he’d be very popular” if he pursued that opportunity.

The possibility involves Tennessee, where Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn won Tuesday’s gubernatorial election. Her departure from the Senate would create a vacancy that could be filled through an appointment supported by the incoming governor.

Some Trump allies believe the opening could provide Hegseth with an opportunity to leave the Pentagon without an outright dismissal. One person close to the president said he would strongly encourage Hegseth to seek Blackburn’s backing for the seat.

Hegseth’s representatives have rejected that possibility, insisting that he intends to remain in his current position.

The timing of any potential personnel change could prove especially important. Once Democrats assume control of the Senate, Trump would face a considerably more difficult confirmation process for a replacement defense secretary.

Hegseth also faces the possibility of impeachment proceedings over the administration’s decision to conduct military operations against Iran without congressional authorization.

Rep. Thomas Massie has introduced an impeachment resolution challenging Hegseth’s conduct of the war. With Democrats taking control of the House, the proposal could receive renewed attention, while a Democratic-controlled Senate could conduct a public trial if the House approved articles of impeachment.

The prospect of prolonged congressional proceedings has added to the concerns surrounding Hegseth’s continued service.

The criticism has also extended to former administration officials, including John Ullyot, who served in national security positions during both Trump administrations.