White House denies Rubio and Hegseth departures after Republican midterm defeat

The White House denied plans to dismiss Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio following the Republican Party's defeat in Tuesday's midterm elections. Both officials face pressure after President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly cited the Iran war as a central reason for the electoral loss. Republican lawmakers have suggested advancing an impeachment process against Hegseth, with a proposal from September potentially reaching the House floor next week. Rubio reportedly discussed future options with advisors, though both he and the White House denied these claims, with spokesperson Beni Rae Harmony calling the reports false. The Iran war, which both officials championed, proved deeply unpopular with voters. Hegseth faces criticism for allegedly overstating US military capabilities and advocating escalation, while Rubio may weigh leaving government to avoid Democratic scrutiny, though his proximity to the conflict could limit political distancing.