Flash: CBS News reports that President Trump is consulting with advisers about potentially replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following heavy GOP losses in the Nov. 4, 2026 midterm elections, in which Democrats gained control of both houses of Congress.
The poor Republican performance is widely attributed in part to the ongoing US military involvement in the Iranian conflict, with Vice President J. Dee Vance has publicly stated "the reason we lost the war" and some aides point the blame at the military leadership under Gest.
White House officials say Trump has full confidence in Hegseth, who has led aggressive reforms, including firing many senior officers and reversing previous Pentagon policies, although Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been mentioned as a potential successor amid renewed impeachment threats from Democrats.