Trump considers replacing Defense Secretary Hegseth after Republicans' election defeat
Photo: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (Getty Images)
The Republicans' crushing defeat in the midterm elections could trigger a wave of high-profile resignations. One possible outcome is the replacement of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CBS News reports.
Trump considers replacing Hegseth
Sources told the outlet that US President Donald Trump had called his advisers to discuss whether Hegseth should stay in his job.
However, some White House aides have different predictions. They believe that part of the blame for the Republicans' election losses could fall on Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, and General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Both senior military officials played key roles in overseeing the war against Iran.
Other sources said that the president has not yet decided whether to replace Hegseth. Before the elections, Democrats had already attempted to impeach Hegseth. These efforts could intensify now that Democrats have secured majorities in both chambers of Congress, the outlet reports.
Who could replace Hegseth?
One source told CBS News that Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is being considered as a possible replacement for Hegseth.
DeSantis could take over the position once his term as governor ends on January 5.
White House reaction
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told the outlet that Trump "has full confidence in Secretary Hegseth."
In her statement, Kelly also praised US military operations in Iran and Venezuela, as well as the secretary's efforts to shift the Pentagon away from the Biden administration's focus on "DEI and woke ideology."
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Democrats had secured control of the US Congress. As of now, they have won majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
According to CNN, Democrats have already secured 227 seats in the House of Representatives, surpassing the 218 seats required for a majority. Republicans hold 134 seats.
In addition, Trump acknowledged the results of the midterm elections and pledged to work with Democrats.
