Hegseth Faces Republican Blame After Midterm Losses
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces growing Republican blame for the party's November 3 midterm losses, driven by voter dissatisfaction with the Iran war, though President Trump publicly supports him. Republican lawmakers privately criticize Hegseth for encouraging military action against Iran without an exit strategy, with impeachment articles filed by Rep. Thomas Massie expected to pass the House. The war's economic fallout, including higher fuel costs, fueled Democratic victories in both chambers. Trump defends Hegseth as "my best guy," possibly to retain him for future strikes, though advisers say he could be replaced. Vice President JD Vance publicly blamed the war for the defeat, drawing parallels to George W. Bush's firing of Donald Rumsfeld after 2006 losses.