Hegseth stays as Trump dismisses prospect of replacing him amid Iran fallout and looming Democratic investigations

Trump backs Hegseth

Trump has privately asked Republicans close to the White House for their views on Hegseth’s performance, according to sources familiar with the matter. The administration is confronting political fallout from the war and the election.

War weighs on Republicans

The eight-month war with Iran has pushed up gas and energy costs, added to living-cost concerns and continued to take American lives and cause injuries. It has also used costly U.S. munitions that may take years to replace.

Hegseth called the campaign a “historic and overwhelming victory” in April, but fighting continued. Trump acknowledged the conflict contributed to Republicans’ sweeping midterm defeat.

Democrats plan oversight

Democrats plan to use their new congressional majority to increase scrutiny of an administration that faced limited oversight over the previous two years. Hegseth is expected to draw particular attention, including possible impeachment efforts.

Democrats could use subpoenas to seek testimony from Pentagon officials about the Iran war, the legality of strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats and Hegseth’s unexplained dismissals of senior military officers. Party leaders also want affordability to remain a leading priority.

Vance criticizes war strategy

Vice President JD Vance attributed the Republican defeat to the war in a social media post Wednesday. “The reason we lost is the war,” Vance said, adding that Trump had made the same point the night before.

Vance said Republicans could argue the war was worth its political cost, but should acknowledge the consequences. He cited the possibility of losing Senate control for six years as part of that debate.