Fastrack · Trump Asks Advisers If Hegseth Should Go, Sources Say

President Trump has been asking advisers whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should remain in his post, CBS News reported. Other sources said Trump has not decided.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was floated as a possible replacement, one source said.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Trump has full confidence in Hegseth.
Vice President JD Vance blamed the Iran war for Republican losses.
Some aides expect blame to fall on Adm. Brad Cooper and Gen. Dan Caine.

Why it matters: Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, said Hegseth is one reason defense funding has stalled. Democrats have threatened to block a $70 billion emergency request.

Democrats will hold majorities in both chambers starting in January.
Trump said the war probably contributed to losses but he would strike again.

How 20 sources split on this story

Source landscape

Factuality

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Strong LeftLeftLean LeftCenterLean RightRightStrong Right

Political Bias

Coverage by lean% of 20 sources

20 sources · 25 articles · 45% Left coverage

Where they split: Outlets differ on whether Hegseth is the central cause of Republican losses or a political liability Trump might trade away while still backing him.

Center coverage, 5 sources: The center frames it as Trump weighing a personnel move after a heavy loss while publicly praising Hegseth.

USA Today3hWhat's next for Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth as Democrats eye return to power Defense One2hCancellations, investigations, and even impeachment could be ahead under Democratic Congress Jerusalem Post4hTrump considers firing Hegseth after midterm losses, DeSantis suggested as replacement - report Military.com3hHegseth Remains Defiant as Impeachment Calls Grow Following Democrats' Big Election Night The National Desk4hTrump denies reports that he is replacing Hegseth as Defense Secretary

Left coverage, 9 sources: The left sees Hegseth as the focal point of a midterm defeat driven by the Iran war and a looming impeachment fight.

The Independent2hTrump might be gearing up to fire Pete Hegseth after all CBS News7hTrump asking advisers if Hegseth should go, sources say Political Wire19mPentagon Priorities in Peril After Democrats’ Sweep AlterNet7hMaggie Haberman knows who’s first on Trump’s Cabinet hit list after wipeout CNN1hRepublicans quickly turn against Pete Hegseth after midterms rout Los Angeles Times2dContributor: Pete Hegseth must answer for his record and face the consequences Mediaite4hTrump Polling His Advisors On Whether He Should Cut Pete Hegseth Loose After Midterm Drubbing: Report Raw Story6hTrump asking advisers whether Cabinet member should keep his job after midterm loss: CBS The New Republic4hTrump Prepares to Dump Pete Hegseth Over Midterms Destruction

Right coverage, 6 sources: The right treats the report with caution, casting any change as political calculation rather than Trump souring on Hegseth.

The Right Scoop5hBREAKING REPORT: CBS News says Trump considering replacing Pete Hegseth Washington Examiner2hIs Pete Hegseth's job safe with Iran war taking the blame for GOP midterm loss?Citizen Free Press3hWhite House leaks focus on Hegseth and Dan Caine — Will Trump shake up the Pentagon.Fox News2hHegseth's future draws ominous predictions from insiders after GOP losses, but Trump isn't budging yet New York Post2hTrump weighs making Pete Hegseth the fall guy for Republicans' crushing Midterm loss: 'Knives are definitely out for him'Reason6hImpeach Pete Hegseth for the disastrous Iran War

What’s next: Massie's eight impeachment articles cover Iran strikes, Maduro's seizure and Caribbean boat killings. He seeks a House vote as early as next week.

DeSantis could face Senate confirmation in the lame-duck session, one source said.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth plans to serve through Trump's term.
Will Trump replace Hegseth before Democrats take control in January?
Could Massie's impeachment resolution pass the current Republican-led House?