Donald Trump evaluates potential removal of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following election losses

Following significant losses in the midterm elections, which resulted in the Republican Party losing control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated discussions regarding the future of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. According to reports from CBS News citing multiple sources, Trump has raised the possibility of Hegseth's departure in private conversations and phone calls with his advisors.

These discussions are primarily centered on identifying reasons for the electoral defeat, with the ongoing war in Iran frequently cited as a critical factor influencing the results. While some members of the White House staff suggest that military officials share responsibility for the outcome, no final decision regarding the removal of the Secretary of Defense has been made. The potential reshuffle reflects growing internal tensions within Trump's administration as it grapples with the shift in legislative power and seeks accountability for the recent political setbacks.