Trump weighs Hegseth's firing after midterm losses, DeSantis floated as replacement

President Donald Trump is considering whether to fire Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after Republican losses in Tuesday's midterm elections, CBS News reported Wednesday, citing multiple sources. The war with Iran was cited by Trump and Vice President JD Vance as a key reason for the losses. White House aides predicted blame may fall on Adm. Brad Cooper, chief of US Central Command, and Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. However, other sources said Trump has not decided to replace Hegseth, who faced impeachment efforts from Democrats before the election. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is floated as a possible replacement, potentially confirmed during the lame-duck period before his term ends January 5. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Trump "has full confidence in Secretary Hegseth."