Trump Defends Pete Hegseth Amid Impeachment Push and Midterm Losses

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces intense pressure to resign following a historic Republican defeat in the 2026 midterm elections, which saw Democrats seize control of both the House and Senate. Republican lawmakers and administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have attributed the losses to the ongoing eight-month war with Iran, citing soaring energy prices and a lack of a viable exit strategy.

Representative Thomas Massie has issued an ultimatum for Hegseth to resign or face a House impeachment vote during the upcoming lame-duck session. Massie's eight articles of impeachment allege that Hegseth violated the 1973 War Powers Resolution, ignored congressional authority, and ordered extrajudicial killings during operations near Venezuela and in the Caribbean. Democratic leaders, including Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, have also vowed to investigate Hegseth's leadership and the legality of the Iran conflict.

While Donald Trump has publicly stated he has "every intention to keep him" and that Hegseth is "doing a very good job," reports indicate he has privately questioned advisers about the secretary's performance. Some insiders claim Trump is concerned that Hegseth provided inaccurate reports regarding Iranian missile defenses. Speculation has emerged that Hegseth could be appointed to the Tennessee Senate seat vacated by Marsha Blackburn as a soft landing, though Pentagon spokespeople maintain he is committed to serving until the end of the presidency.