Trump Faces Pressure to Pick a Fall Guy for the Iran War

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces mounting political pressure as fallout from the Iran war grows, but he insists impeachment efforts against him will fail. President Donald Trump has said he intends to keep Hegseth, though he has acknowledged receiving calls about his future. The Iran conflict, now in its ninth month, contributed to Republican midterm defeats, with 63 percent of voters saying the U.S. made the wrong decision in attacking Iran. Trump may instead target General Dan Caine or Admiral Brad Cooper as fall guys, though experts warn firing military chiefs while keeping Hegseth could backfire. Hegseth has alienated some Republicans, and outgoing Representative Thomas Massie has pledged an impeachment vote next week. Democrats, who retook both chambers, could pursue oversight hearings rather than lengthy impeachment trials, while Trump might fire Hegseth before January to secure a quick replacement confirmation.