Trump weighs firing Hegseth to boost ratings after midterm defeat

President Donald Trump is reportedly considering firing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following the Republican Party's midterm defeat, with analysts suggesting the move would boost his media profile. Speculation is mounting as Trump reshapes his administration with hardliner appointments. Hegseth, confirmed by a narrow 51-50 Senate vote, faces criticism over his support for the unpopular Iran war and has made few allies on Capitol Hill. Cornell professor Tom Popinsky compared Trump's potential decision to "The Apprentice," saying he would get a "ratings bump" from firing Hegseth. Democrats, set to control Congress from January, have pledged to impeach Hegseth over alleged corruption and abuse of power, which he denies. Outgoing Republican Thomas Massie also plans to force an impeachment vote, while Hegseth dismissed the efforts as "political theatre."