The Pentagon defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth against reports that President Donald Trump was considering replacing him, vowing to pursue the administration’s agenda despite threats of “sham witch-hunts from Democrats” after Republicans lost control of Congress.
Pentagon Rejects Reports Of Hegseth’s Possible Exit
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Hegseth was “100 percent committed to leading the department until the end of President Trump’s term in office.” He told Fox News Digital that Hegseth “will not back down or be deterred by politicians seeking to score partisan points or launch phony investigations where no wrongdoing exists.”
Parnell insisted the department had followed the law and said Hegseth would continue defending the Constitution and supporting American troops. “We will continue to drive President Trump’s agenda at the Department of War despite threats of sham witch-hunts from Democrats,” he added.
The defense followed reports that Trump had asked advisers whether Hegseth should stay after Democrats secured the House and Senate in Tuesday’s midterms. Trump publicly rejected the idea, telling reporters, “No, I think he’s doing a very good job.” The White House also expressed confidence in Hegseth.
Iran War Intensifies Pressure On Pentagon Leadership
The political pressure centers partly on the Iran war, which Trump has described Hegseth as an early advocate of. Vice President JD Vance blamed the conflict for Republican losses, while Reuters reported that some Trump advisers considered Hegseth vulnerable as the administration assessed the electoral fallout.
The Associated Press also reported last week that Hegseth dismissed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Pentagon’s top military planner, amid preparations for possible renewed strikes on Iran. Nearly two dozen senior officers have departed during Hegseth’s tenure, prompting questions about leadership stability.
Democrats Prepare Investigations As Impeachment Threat Grows
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) previously introduced eight impeachment articles accusing Hegseth of pursuing the Iran war without congressional authorization and urged Trump to dismiss him before a vote. Democrats have signaled plans to investigate the war, military personnel decisions and other Pentagon operations once their new majority takes office.
The uncertainty has also prompted betting on Hegseth’s departure, although prediction markets reflect speculation rather than personnel decisions.
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