Trump backs Hegseth after Democrats win Congress

President Donald Trump expressed support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, one day after Democrats won control of both the House and Senate in midterm elections reflecting voter anger over the war on Iran. Asked if he was considering replacing Hegseth, Trump told reporters, "No, I think he's doing a very good job." Trump's response contrasts with former President George W. Bush, who fired Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld the morning after the 2006 midterms, when voter discontent over the Iraq war helped Democrats win Congress. However, sources said Trump could still change Hegseth, with Republicans assessing their losses, and one Trump adviser suggested Hegseth might lose his post over the war, stating, "Someone will be held accountable for this, and obviously that person won't be Trump." Hegseth has long been a divisive figure, facing a censure resolution from Republican Representative Thomas Massie for allegedly waging combat against Iran without congressional approval. Senator Tom Tillis questioned whether Hegseth is the right person to present defense needs to Congress, while Democrats have vowed to investigate his management of the Pentagon, including his handling of the Iran war and dismissals of senior military officials.