Susie Wiles blamed Pete Hegseth for Republican midterm defeat

Outgoing White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles planned to blame Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the Republicans' crushing midterm defeat, according to a Daily Mail report citing sources. Her loyalists allegedly leaked to the press to deflect responsibility for the electoral disaster. Wiles is among several Republicans blaming Hegseth for the loss due to his role in the Iran war, which they say caused a cost-of-living crisis. Lawmakers are preparing to push for his impeachment when Congress reconvenes, believing he oversold the military's ability to win quickly. President Trump reportedly likes Hegseth and has encouraged him to resist impeachment efforts, potentially wanting to keep him for further strikes against Iran. Hegseth dismissed the threats as a "sham" and defended the war as a "courageous and historic effort."