Hegseth faces blame for Republican midterm losses despite Trump's backing

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may be made to take responsibility for Republicans' midterm losses, despite President Trump's vocal support, as the Iran war is cited as a key factor in the election outcome. A former senior Pentagon official told CNN the war was primarily a Department of Defense-led effort, with a Republican close to the White House saying Hegseth has been "dishonest or incorrect" about timelines and goals. Vice President JD Vance publicly questioned the war's worth, while Representative Thomas Massie has filed eight impeachment articles against Hegseth. Trump has repeatedly defended Hegseth, calling him a "champion" and saying he is "doing a very good job." However, Senator Thom Tillis suggested a "reckoning" is coming, citing Hegseth's strained relations with lawmakers amid a $1.5tn defense package push. Democrats have promised investigations into his handling of the Iran war, military purges, and other policies.