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Trump says Hegseth doing ‘a very good job’ as questions swirl about his future
President Donald Trump said Pete Hegseth was “doing a very good job” and denied he was considering replacing the defence secretary, after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in midterm elections. The result reflected voter anger over the Iran war, which Trump has said Hegseth supported; a Trump adviser said Hegseth could still be blamed for the conflict and face dismissal.
Hegseth’s future remains uncertain as Republicans assess their losses and lawmakers question his ability to win support for a proposed US$1.5 trillion defence spending package. Democrats have promised investigations into his handling of the Iran war, military leadership changes and other policies, while some Republicans have also criticised him. The Pentagon says Hegseth is fully committed to serving through the end of Trump’s term in January 2029.
In short
- Trump publicly backed Hegseth after midterm losses.
- Advisers and lawmakers have raised doubts about his future.
- Democrats plan scrutiny of his Pentagon decisions.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Keeping Hegseth could provide continuity in defence leadership and let the administration pursue its policies without making a personnel change in response to electoral pressure. Trump’s public support and the Pentagon’s statement that Hegseth is committed to serving through 2029 may reassure allies and lawmakers while the administration seeks backing for its defence spending plans.
The case against
Replacing Hegseth could allow Trump to respond to voters’ apparent dissatisfaction with the Iran war and address lawmakers’ concerns about his leadership and ability to secure support for defence spending. Democrats’ planned investigations, criticism from some Republicans and the risk that Hegseth could become a continuing political liability are reasons advocates of a change might cite.
Explained simply
The defence secretary leads the Pentagon, the US government department responsible for the armed forces. Pete Hegseth was appointed by President Donald Trump, who sets the administration’s priorities and has authority to choose his cabinet.
The Iran war has become a point of dispute in Washington, including over the roles of Trump and Hegseth. Congress controls government spending and can investigate the administration, so its balance of power affects the prospects for a proposed defence budget and scrutiny of military decisions.
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