Trump backs Hegseth after GOP loses both chambers in midterms
Why it matters: Democrats now control Congress and have pledged investigations into the Pentagon, the Iran war and Hegseth's leadership.
President Donald Trump publicly backed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Nov. 4, one day after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress in midterm elections shaped by anger over the Iran war. Asked whether he was considering replacing Hegseth, Trump said he was not and called the Pentagon chief "doing a very good job." Even so, pressure on Hegseth is rising. Vice President JD Vance questioned whether the war was worth the political cost, Sen. Thom Tillis said Hegseth faces a "reckoning," and Rep. Thomas Massie has already filed articles of impeachment. Democrats, who will take Congress in January, have promised broad scrutiny of Hegseth's handling of the war, military leadership purges and other Pentagon actions.