Trump backs Hegseth as questions grow over his future
Politics · First reported 5 Nov, 00:10 · Updated 02:31
Donald Trump said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was doing “a very good job” after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in midterm elections linked in the reports to voter anger over the Iran war. Sources say Hegseth could still be replaced, while the Pentagon says he is committed to serving through the end of Trump’s term.
- Trump publicly backed Hegseth when asked whether he was considering replacing him, but an adviser said Hegseth could be blamed for the Republicans’ losses over the Iran war.
- The Defense Department said Hegseth was committed to leading the Pentagon until Trump’s term ends on January 20, 2029.
- Republican Senator Thom Tillis said Hegseth’s strained ties with lawmakers were undermining efforts to advance a $1.5 trillion defense spending package.
- Democrats have promised oversight of Hegseth’s handling of the Iran war and other Pentagon matters; a Republican lawmaker previously filed impeachment articles accusing him of launching hostilities without congressional approval.
- Trump said Hegseth might be popular if appointed to the Tennessee Senate seat being vacated by Marsha Blackburn, but said he had not heard that this was being considered.
Summary written by Lux AI from 3 articles
Key facts
- Trump’s public position
- He said Hegseth was doing a very good job.
- Election result
- Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress.
- Trump’s term end date
- January 20, 2029.
- Defense spending package
- Tillis referenced a $1.5 trillion package.
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Background
- Earlier coverage described European far-right figures distancing themselves from Trump after Democrats won both chambers, while some US Republicans criticized aspects of the Iran war. [6b0b0fce-29b9-4906-9e42-868c9e0be78a]
- Another earlier report said Democrats gained House and Senate seats and described economic concerns and immigration enforcement as factors in Latino men’s reported shift toward Democrats. [2483e18e-1ebc-48c6-ab86-8a5f51f6839c]
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