Trump backs Hegseth despite election fallout as Republicans weigh blame for Iran war losses and Democrats vow probes.
Key takeaways
President Trump publicly defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating he is performing well, despite speculation about his potential dismissal following Democratic midterm victories driven by opposition to the Iran war.
- Trump denied plans to replace Hegseth, contrasting his stance with George Bush's 2006 firing of Donald Rumsfeld.
- Sources indicate Hegseth may still be dismissed as Republicans seek to assign blame for their electoral losses.
- Vice President JD Vance publicly questioned the value of the Iran war, linking it to Republican congressional defeats.
Summarised automatically by AI from the original article by Astro Awani. AI can make mistakes, so check the original for details.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump backed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday, a day after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in midterm elections that reflected voter anger over the Iran war.
Asked whether he was considering replacing Hegseth, whom he has described as a champion of the war, Trump told reporters: "No, I think he's doing a very good job."
The response contrasted with then-President George Bush, who fired Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld the morning after the 2006 midterm elections, when voter discontent over the Iraq war helped Democrats win control of Congress.
But sources said Trump could still replace Hegseth as Republicans assess their losses.
