Republican infighting: Hegseth faces impeachment after midterm defeat

Republican infighting has intensified after the party's midterm defeat, with Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth facing impeachment calls and becoming the primary target of blame. Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized the Iran war as the cause of the loss, while President Trump defends Hegseth. Vance stated the Iran conflict and its inflationary impact cost Republicans the House and Senate majorities, positioning himself as the MAGA leader for 2028. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied resignation rumors, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Ted Cruz issued harsh critiques of the party's direction. Representative Thomas Massie has filed impeachment articles against Hegseth, citing unauthorized war actions, the Maduro seizure, and Caribbean raids. Trump may instead scapegoat military generals Dan Caine and Brad Cooper, though analysts suggest Hegseth's removal remains likely as the party realigns ahead of the next presidential race.