Trump allies quietly weigh replacing Defense Secretary Hegseth after midterm rout

Reports have emerged that US President Donald Trump is discussing with close aides whether to replace Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following the midterm elections.

With the war against Iran widely cited within Republican circles as the primary reason for the party's crushing midterm defeat, Hegseth's future in the cabinet has come under scrutiny.

According to CBS News and other outlets, a source told Yonhap that one option under consideration would have Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, win Senate confirmation before the new Congress convenes and then take over as defense secretary when his gubernatorial term ends on Jan. 5 next year.

Some White House aides are also raising questions about the roles of Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine and Gen. Brad Cooper, the commander of US Central Command who oversaw military operations in the Middle East.

Within the Republican Party itself, the Iran war has been identified as the central cause of the midterm debacle.

Vice President JD Vance wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that "the reason we lost is the war."

The Democratic Party had been pursuing Hegseth's impeachment even before the midterms. With Democrats now securing clear majorities in both chambers of Congress following the election, analysts say the prospects of an impeachment push against Hegseth have grown considerably.

There is also speculation that Hegseth could move to the Senate after stepping down from his cabinet post.

The scenario envisions Hegseth filling the Senate seat that would become vacant when Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn takes office as governor.

Under Tennessee law, when a US Senate seat becomes vacant before the end of a term, the state legislature appoints a successor to fill the seat until the next election.

Trump, however, has continued to express confidence in Hegseth.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday at a construction site at the White House banquet hall, Trump was asked whether he agreed with Vice President Vance's assessment that the Iran war cost Republicans the election. "I think that's largely true," Trump said, adding that the conflict "pushed gas prices up a little in the short term," according to Yonhap.

He nonetheless defended the decision, saying, "But at the same time, if we had to do it again, we'd have to do it again — because in the long run, that's the only answer. We can't let Iran have nuclear weapons."

The remarks were seen as an attempt to justify the war by framing the prevention of Iranian nuclear capability as an overriding strategic imperative, even as Trump acknowledged its electoral cost.

Asked directly about reports that he was considering replacing Hegseth, who led the Iran war effort, Trump said, "No. He's doing a good job."

Trump had also ruled out any cabinet changes on Wednesday.

Trump further warned that Democrats would "destroy themselves" if they pursued impeachment proceedings, and insisted there was no legitimate basis for impeaching him either.