Trump discusses with advisers the possible resignation of Pentagon chief Hegseth after the elections

The fate of the Pentagon chief is in question

After the Republicans' defeat in the midterm elections to Congress, US President Donald Trump is discussing with advisers whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should remain in his post. As CBS News reported citing sources, Trump raised this issue in conversations with aides and over the phone, but has not yet made a final decision on Hegseth's fate (this is reported by Anadolu and Life.ru).

Who could replace Hegseth, and who else is being blamed

According to CBS News, which Anadolu cites, Florida's Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is named as the most likely successor: one source suggested that he could receive Senate confirmation during a 'lame-duck session' — the period before the new Congress takes office — and take the post after his gubernatorial term ends on January 5. CBS journalist Jennifer Jacobs reported on the social network Xthat Trump is prepared to assign part of the blame for the Republicans' defeat to Hegseth, while the criticism may also extend to military commanders: the head of Central Command (CENTCOM), Admiral Brad Cooper, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine — because of their role in shaping military directives for the war with Iran.

Political context

Democrats had demanded Hegseth's resignation even before the elections and even sought his impeachment. Now, according to CBS News, after the party is expected to win majorities in both chambers of Congress, pressure on the defense secretary may intensify. Thus, the discussion of his resignation is proceeding in parallel with the upcoming shift in the balance of power in Congress, but for now it is only a matter of working through options: neither a decision on dismissal nor a successor candidate has been officially announced.