Thursday, November 5, 2026 - President Donald Trump has publicly defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid growing calls for investigations and possible impeachment proceedings against the Pentagon chief.
Speaking on Wednesday, November 4, Trump dismissed speculation that he was considering replacing Hegseth, saying he was doing a very good job.
The defence comes as Republicans face political fallout from their sweeping midterm election losses, with the ongoing war against Iran emerging as a major source of voter dissatisfaction. Vice President JD Vance has also acknowledged that the conflict contributed to the Republican setback.
Hegseth is facing mounting pressure from lawmakers over his handling of the Iran war, military leadership changes, US strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels and relations with Congress.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie is preparing to push for a House impeachment vote when lawmakers return next week, accusing Hegseth of launching military hostilities against Iran without congressional authorization.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers are preparing broader investigations when they assume their new congressional majority in January 2027. Republican Senator Thom Tillis has also warned that Hegseth faces a political reckoning, questioning whether he can secure the congressional support needed for a proposed $1.5 trillion defence budget.
Despite the growing pressure, Hegseth has indicated that he intends to remain in office until the end of Trump's presidency, while the Pentagon has rejected accusations of wrongdoing.
The coming weeks could prove critical as lawmakers prepare to examine military decisions, demand documents and question senior defence officials. Even if the House approves impeachment, removing Hegseth would require a two-thirds Senate vote.
The unfolding dispute is therefore becoming a major test of congressional oversight, presidential authority and accountability over US military operations. For the Pentagon, securing lawmakers' confidence and defending its decisions will be essential as the next phase of political scrutiny approaches.
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