Pete Hegseth may bear blame for Republicans’ midterm losses despite Trump’s support
Pete Hegseth is emerging as a potential scapegoat for Republicans’ midterm losses, as the unpopular war in Iran becomes a central target of political blame. A former senior Pentagon official told CNN that the conflict was primarily a Department of War-led operation because military action was chosen to resolve a foreign-policy issue. A Republican close to the White House said Hegseth had been dishonest or wrong about the war’s timelines, goals and objectives, arguing that responsibility should fall on him if Donald Trump genuinely wants someone held accountable.
JD Vance publicly questioned whether the war had been worthwhile and said it had cost Republicans control of Congress. Thomas Massie, a Republican congressman from Kentucky, has filed eight impeachment accusations against Hegseth and plans to force a House vote. Trump, however, continues to defend his defense secretary, saying on Wednesday that Hegseth was doing “a very good job” and recalling that he had urged military action to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Hegseth’s difficulties extend beyond the war. Thom Tillis said he faced “a reckoning,” while his poor relationship with lawmakers was weakening the administration’s effort to pass a $1.5tn defense spending package before the current Congress has only 60 days left. Democrats have promised investigations into his handling of the Iran war, purges of senior military officers, Ukraine policy and strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in Latin American waters. Adam Smith, expected to lead the House armed services committee next year, has pledged vigorous oversight.
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