Trump Backs Hegseth as Defence Chief’s Future Questioned

US President Donald Trump backs Hegseth, his defence secretary, saying he is doing a very good job. Dawn reported the backing a day after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress. Voter anger over the war on Iran shaped the midterm elections.

Asked whether he was considering replacing Hegseth, Trump told reporters: “No, I think he’s doing a very good job.” The answer contrasted with then-president George Bush. He fired Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld the morning after the 2006 midterm elections. Discontent over the Iraq war had helped Democrats win Congress.

Trump backs Hegseth, but doubts remain

But sources said Trump could still replace Hegseth as Republicans assess their losses. One Trump adviser said Hegseth “could be on the chopping block” because of the war. “Someone is going to get blamed for this and you know it’s not going to be him (Trump),” the adviser said.

Trump has described Hegseth as a key proponent of the war. On 23 March, he said: “Pete, I think you were the first one to speak up, and you said, ‘Let’s do it, because you can’t let them have a nuclear weapon.'” On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance questioned whether the Iran war was worth it. He said it cost Republicans control of Congress.

The White House referred Reuters to Trump’s public remarks. The Defence Department said Hegseth was “100 percent committed” to leading the Pentagon until the end of Trump’s term. That term ends on 20 January 2029. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Hegseth would continue to drive Trump’s agenda. He said the Pentagon “has followed the law”.

Pressure from Congress

Hegseth has been a polarising figure, and the pressure is now coming from both parties. Republican Representative Thomas Massie filed articles of impeachment against him earlier this year. Massie accused him of abusing his office by launching hostilities against Iran without Congress approval.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis told CBS News on Tuesday night that Hegseth has “a reckoning” coming. He said the strained relationship was undermining the push for a $1.5 trillion defence spending package. “I think after the election, we need to determine whether or not he’s the best person to bring those needs to Congress if he wants something done before the end of this Congress, which is only 60 days away,” Tillis said.

Democrats have promised to investigate Hegseth and his handling of the Pentagon. Aides say the inquiry could cover the Iran war and his purges of top officers. It could also cover his Ukraine policy and US strikes on suspected drug boats in Latin American waters. Some Democrats say those strikes could amount to war crimes. Representative Adam Smith is the Democrat expected to lead the House Armed Services Committee next year. He promised vigorous oversight of what he called the erosion of the “apolitical foundation of the armed forces”.

The Tennessee option

One long-rumoured possibility would see Hegseth fill a Senate seat. The seat was vacated by Senator Marsha Blackburn, elected on Tuesday as Tennessee’s next governor. She has four years left in her term. Hegseth is a Tennessee resident who voted there on Tuesday. He could be appointed without running for election. Asked whether he wanted Hegseth to fill the seat, Trump said: “Well, I think, I think he’s doing a very good job, and I actually think he’d be very popular if he did that.” He added: “But I haven’t heard that at all.”

Trump has praised Hegseth in public. He has given the former soldier wide leeway to reshape the Pentagon. But last month he publicly split with Hegseth. He cancelled plans to livestream the Army’s firing-squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan.

Why it matters for Pakistan

For Pakistan, the question is what a Pentagon shake-up would mean for the Iran war. Feature Pakistan has reported US strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island ahead of the midterms. The war has already cost the Pentagon $47bn. Oil prices fell for a fourth day this week on hopes that the risk of escalation is easing. That shift matters directly to Pakistan’s fuel import bill.

If Hegseth stays, the war policy he championed is likely to continue. If he goes, Washington’s handling of the conflict could change. Pakistan would feel it through oil prices and regional security.

Trump has kept his defence secretary in place for now. The next test comes when the new Congress takes its seats. The promised investigations will begin. Republicans will then decide whether the midterm losses demand a change at the Pentagon.

Frequently asked questions

What did Trump say about Hegseth?

He said Hegseth was doing a very good job and that he was not considering replacing him.

Why is Hegseth under pressure?

Democrats won both chambers of Congress in midterms shaped by anger over the Iran war, and they have promised to investigate his handling of the Pentagon.

Could Hegseth still lose his job?

Yes. Sources close to Trump say he could still be replaced, and one adviser said he “could be on the chopping block” over the war.

What is the Tennessee Senate seat link?

Senator Marsha Blackburn was elected Tennessee governor, leaving four years of her Senate term. Hegseth, a Tennessee resident, could be appointed to the seat.

What does this mean for Pakistan?

The Iran war affects Pakistan through oil prices and regional security. A change at the Pentagon could shift how Washington handles the conflict.