The White House has dismissed claims that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio could step down from their cabinet positions following recent Republican electoral losses. The administration released statements rejecting speculation of a high-level leadership shift in the wake of the midterm results.
Reports in US media pointed to growing calls for the removal of Hegseth, largely over his management of the conflict in Iran, which has been cited as a primary factor behind the election outcomes. The election results granted Democrats full control over both the US House of Representatives and the Senate.
Hegseth also faces potential legislative action from within his own party. Representative Thomas Massie, an outgoing Republican member of Congress, stated plans to introduce an impeachment resolution against the defence secretary. Massie urged that a replacement be named before the new Democratic-controlled Congress takes office in January.
In response, Hegseth released a video message defending his record and dismissing the impeachment attempt as political theatre driven by opponents. He cited accomplishments during his tenure, including rebuilding the defence industrial base, altering recruitment strategies, and removing diversity programs within the department. Public speculation has also linked Hegseth to a potential run for an open Senate seat in Tennessee.
Addressing the defence secretary’s standing, Donald Trump stated in an interview with ABC News that while he had received inquiries regarding Hegseth, he intended to retain him. Speaking to reporters later at the White House, Trump praised Hegseth’s performance, pointing to military operations in the ongoing eight-month conflict with Iran and the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January.
Concurrently, reports indicated potential changes among top military commanders. The Washington Post reported that discussions may be underway regarding the positions of General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, both of whom provided strategic guidance on the Iran war.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed rumors regarding his future, denying reports that he plans to resign to prepare for a presidential campaign in 2028. Rubio affirmed his intention to serve out the remainder of his term, while both the White House and the US State Department categorized reports of his departure as inaccurate.
Source: BBC News
