As questions swirl over midterm failure, Hegseth becomes Trump’s target No. 1
Election losses bring scrutiny
Exit polling indicated that the Iran war weighed heavily on Republican support. One poll found 74 percent of voters considered the conflict a major or crucial issue, while the Associated Press reported that six in 10 thought the United States had made the wrong choice by using military force against Iran.
Vice President JD Vance attributed the party’s weak showing to the war in a social media post. “The reason we lost is the war,” Vance wrote, adding that Trump had said so the previous night. The election fallout has put Hegseth in focus as Republicans assess responsibility.
Tillis warns of consequences
Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, said Hegseth faces “a reckoning,” according to CBS News. Tillis also questioned whether Congress could approve important defense spending while Hegseth leads the department.
Tillis said Hegseth was among the reasons defense funding lacked guarantees. The senator voted to confirm him in January 2025, but has since described that decision as the biggest regret of his career and urged Trump to fire him. Tillis said lawmakers had 60 days to act before the session ended.
Pentagon rejects departure speculation
Impeachment measures have also been filed against Trump, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Education Secretary Linda McMahon. The article says the efforts gained no traction under the Republican-led House, but points to Democrats’ planned oversight after they take control of both chambers in January.
Pentagon officials say Hegseth has no plans to resign. Spokesman Sean Parnell said the secretary was “100% committed” to serving through Trump’s term and defended the department’s conduct. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson called Hegseth a “transformative leader” who restored military standards, in comments reported by USA Today.
Key points
- Exit polling showed widespread concern about the Iran war among voters.
- Tillis has urged Trump to dismiss Hegseth and raised defense funding concerns.
- Massie plans to seek a House vote on eight impeachment accusations.
- Pentagon officials say Hegseth intends to remain through Trump’s term.