US President Donald Trump has ruled out firing Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth despite bruising Republican losses in the 2026 midterm elections. Trump told reporters on Wednesday 4 November 2026 that Hegseth was doing a very good job, a day after Democrats swept both chambers of Congress.
The statement followed reports that Trump had been asking advisers whether Hegseth should stay in the job. Trump rejected that suggestion directly, and the White House said he has full confidence in the defence secretary.
What Trump said on Wednesday
Trump was asked whether he was considering replacing Hegseth after the election result. He answered: “No, I think he’s doing a very good job.” The exchange came as Republican allies and critics alike assessed blame for the midterm defeat, with Vice President JD Vance saying the reason the party lost was the war.
Trump also defended his decision to launch the war against Iran, which began in February 2026. He said: “If I had it to do again, I’d have to do it again.” That defence places the Iran war, rather than Hegseth alone, at the centre of the post-election argument inside the Republican Party.
The impeachment threat waiting for Congress
The pressure on Hegseth is not only political. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky plans to trigger a vote to impeach Hegseth when Congress returns next week, according to CNN reporting. Multiple Republican sources cited in that reporting said they expected such a vote to pass in the House.
Hegseth has signalled he intends to stay and fight any impeachment effort. A person close to him told CNN he still expects to remain in his role and is prepared to defend Pentagon decisions in hearings. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth will not back down or be deterred by what he called phony investigations.
Key developments at a glance
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 3 November 2026 | Democrats win control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections |
| Wednesday 4 November 2026 | Trump asked about Hegseth’s future; says “No, I think he’s doing a very good job” |
| Wednesday 4 November 2026 | White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly says Trump has “full confidence” in Hegseth |
| Week of 9 November 2026 | Rep. Thomas Massie plans to trigger a House impeachment vote against Hegseth when Congress returns |
| Ongoing | CBS News reports Trump consulted advisers on Hegseth’s future; other sources said no decision to replace him had been made |
Why Republicans are turning on the Pentagon chief
Some Republicans blame Hegseth’s role in the Iran war for voter anger that cost the party seats. Reports cited in CNN and other outlets say the party lost seven Senate seats, with two more potentially at risk, and at least 29 House seats. Those figures remain subject to final certification in the closest races.
Other Republicans argue the blame sits with the war decision itself, not with one cabinet secretary. Vance’s statement that “the reason we lost is the war” pointed in that direction without naming Hegseth. That split explains why Trump can publicly back Hegseth while the impeachment threat still advances.
What happens next for Hegseth
Three paths are now open. Trump could keep Hegseth in place through the lame-duck period and into the remainder of his term, as the Pentagon statement suggests he intends to do. Congress could force an impeachment vote that tests Republican support for the defence secretary in public. Or Trump could still change course later, as one White House official predicted accountability would “play out in the lame duck”.
For now, the public position is clear: Trump is not firing Hegseth. The test will come when Congress returns and Massie’s planned vote forces Republicans to choose between backing the president’s defence secretary and registering their anger over the election result.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is Trump firing Pete Hegseth? A: No. Trump said on 4 November 2026 that he is not considering replacing Hegseth and described his work as very good.
Q: Why is Hegseth under pressure? A: Republicans blame fallout from the Iran war for midterm losses, and some lawmakers plan an impeachment vote against him.
Q: Will Congress impeach Hegseth? A: That is not decided. Rep. Thomas Massie plans to trigger a vote when Congress returns, but the outcome will depend on how many Republicans support it.
Q: Who could replace Hegseth? A: CBS News reporting cited Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as one name floated by a source, but Trump has not named a replacement and other sources said no decision had been made.
Q: Did Trump consider a Senate run for Hegseth? A: Trump was asked about Hegseth filling a Tennessee Senate seat and said he would be very popular if he did, but added he had not heard that suggestion at all.
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