Trump backs Hegseth as Democrats plan Iran war probes

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will remain in his job, dismissing replacement speculation amid fallout from the Iran war and looming Democratic investigations. Trump told reporters Hegseth is "doing a great job" and predicted he would be popular in Tennessee, where speculation has linked him to a Senate seat. The remarks come as Republicans face political consequences from the eight-month conflict, which has driven up gas prices and contributed to sweeping midterm losses. Democrats plan to use their new congressional majority to scrutinize Hegseth, potentially probing the Iran war, strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, and his firings of senior military officers. Vice President JD Vance blamed the war for the GOP defeat, saying "everyone knows why we lost."