Hegseth targeted as GOP scapegoat after midterm election loss

The Republican defeat in the US midterm elections has opened an internal battle over who bears responsibility for the loss, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth now stands at the center of the storm. Once a prominent supporter of the military campaign against Iran, he has become, in the eyes of senior party figures, one of the main culprits for the administration's political failure. Meanwhile, an effort is taking shape to launch impeachment proceedings against him in the House of Representatives, while the White House is already considering the possibility of replacing him.

Despite reports of mounting pressure, President Donald Trump continues to defend his defense secretary. In an interview with ABC correspondent Jonathan Karl, Trump said he has no intention of firing Hegseth: "I have every intention of keeping him." However, the president acknowledged that various figures have approached him expressing dissatisfaction with the secretary's performance, adding: "I get those calls. I don't understand why."

Trump even admitted that replacing the defense secretary would be simpler for him now, while Republicans still control the outgoing Senate. Starting January 3, with the swearing-in of the new Senate where Democrats are expected to hold at least 54 of 100 seats, appointing a new defense secretary would require their support.

Behind the scenes, the picture is far more complex. Sources who spoke with Reuters said that despite the president's public support, discussions are taking place in the White House about the possibility of assigning Hegseth responsibility for the failure. One of Trump's advisers said: "Someone is going to have to take the blame for this, and it's not going to be him." The New York Post, considered close to the president's circle, also reported that Hegseth is emerging as a leading candidate for removal.

But the pressure isn't coming only from the White House. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie intends to introduce a proposal next week to open impeachment proceedings against the defense secretary. Massie, who sharply opposed the war with Iran and was defeated in the Kentucky primary, argues that the administration went to war without congressional authorization and thereby allegedly acted contrary to law.

According to a CNN report, several figures in the Republican Party estimate that the proposal could pass in the House of Representatives. This is a possibility that would not have seemed likely before the elections, but following the Republican defeat and the difficult atmosphere in the party, it is gaining support. If the proposal is approved, the process would move to the Senate, where a conviction requires a two-thirds majority (67 senators) to actually remove the secretary. The chance of reaching such a majority is considered extremely low, but the mere approval of the proceedings would be a significant political blow to Hegseth.

Netanyahu, Hegseth and US officials in better times. Archive (Photo: Prime Minister's Office)

The secretary, for his part, has no intention of surrendering. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth will not be deterred by investigations that Democrats are planning to conduct regarding the management of the Iran war, the dismissal of senior Pentagon officers, and the bombing of boats suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean Sea, which drew sharp criticism from Democrats. "Defense Secretary Hegseth will not back down and will not be deterred by politicians seeking to score political points or open false investigations," the statement said.

In another statement, his spokesman clarified that Hegseth is not considering resigning and that he is committed to remaining in office until the end of Trump's term. This comes against the backdrop of rumors that the secretary might try to be appointed to the seat of retiring Senator Marsha Blackburn, who was elected governor of Tennessee. Hegseth is a resident of the state, and the outgoing governor is authorized to appoint a temporary replacement for the senator without special elections.

Criticism of Hegseth is not new. The 46-year-old defense secretary, a former Fox News host, is considered a controversial figure in Washington. He led efforts to dismiss senior officers who he claimed promoted leftist concepts in the military, was involved in decisions about strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea, and recently even announced an intention to broadcast an execution live, a decision Trump later canceled.

But above all, the Republican Party blames him for his enthusiastic support of the war with Iran. According to sources quoted by CNN, senior officials believe Hegseth presented Trump with an overly optimistic picture before the campaign began regarding the ability to defeat Iran quickly and easily. Now, with the possibility of renewed strikes still on the table and the war's results sparking controversy, criticism is growing of those who pushed for continued fighting.

Vice President JD Vance has also effectively joined the internal reckoning. In a post he published, he pointed to the Iran war as one of the main factors in the Republican defeat, and even hinted at the need to change the close relationship with Israel. Although he did not directly blame Trump or Hegseth, his words were perceived as an attempt to distance himself from the campaign and responsibility for it, partly against the backdrop of the possibility that he will run for president in 2028.

Trump, meanwhile, continues to project business as usual.

According to reports, Trump personally likes Hegseth and even told his advisers that he should fight for his future. One source said the president told him just two days ago: "You're my best guy."

Trump also said that Hegseth is "doing a very good job," but those in the White House remember that Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem received similar compliments from the president shortly before they were fired.