The key facts

  • According to NBC News, Trump asked allies whom they would recommend for the post of defense secretary instead of Pete Hegseth
  • Some of Hegseth's upcoming trips have been postponed; the reasons are linked to Iran and the outcome of the midterm elections
  • Trump publicly denied plans for a replacement, while the Pentagon press service stated Hegseth's full commitment to the post

Discussions about replacing the defense secretary

US President Donald Trump has in recent days told some of his allies that he is considering replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, NBC News reported, citing people familiar with the discussions. According to them, ahead of the midterm elections held on Tuesday, Trump asked several allies whom they would recommend to replace Hegseth. This was reported by the Anadolu agency, citing the NBC News report.

Tension with Congress and postponed trips

The discussions come amid growing tension between Hegseth and lawmakers from both parties over the administration's military operations, transparency, and Pentagon spending. According to four sources familiar with the matter, some of Hegseth's upcoming trips have been postponed. Two of them linked this either to a possible resumption by Trump of large-scale military action in Iran, or to the political consequences of the midterm elections, in which the ongoing war in Iran became one of the main issues. Hegseth was also among the few Cabinet members absent from the White House East Room on Tuesday evening, where Trump watched the election results with officials; the Defense Department spokesman confirmed only that Hegseth was in Washington, without explaining the reasons for his absence.

Official denials and criticism in Congress

On Wednesday, Trump dismissed speculation about a personnel change: 'No, he's doing a very good job,' he told reporters. The Pentagon's chief spokesman, Sean Parnell, said that Hegseth is '100% committed' to leading the department until the end of Trump's term, 'despite the threat of fake witch hunts from the Democrats.' At the same time, Hegseth faces mounting criticism from lawmakers of both parties: Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced a resolution in September to impeach the secretary and wrote on the social platform X that he would reintroduce articles of impeachment for only one reason — 'if Hegseth does not resign.' Reports of possible replacements add to the uncertainty surrounding Hegseth's future, but the White House has shown no signs that a change in leadership is inevitable.