Republicans turn on Pete Hegseth after midterm rout

Republicans are moving to blame Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the party's midterm election losses, with a House impeachment vote possible as soon as next week. Lawmakers accuse him of pushing President Donald Trump into an Iran war that triggered voter backlash. Multiple Republican sources say Hegseth oversold the US ability to win the conflict quickly, and the war has become a quagmire worsening affordability issues. Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday "the reason we lost is the war," though Trump has defended Hegseth and denied plans to fire him. Trump allies acknowledge the party's problems extended beyond the war, but are unwilling to blame the president directly. Hegseth has vowed to fight impeachment efforts, while some Republicans see him as an obvious fall guy for the historic losses.