Republican leaders question Defense Secretary Hegseth amid midterm setbacks
Republican officials and Democrats are scrutinizing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Iran conflict and other defense actions as the party faces losses in the midterm elections.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing growing criticism from members of his own party as Republicans assess the impact of the Iran war on their recent midterm defeats. Former senior Pentagon officials told CNN that the conflict has been driven primarily by the Department of Defense, and a Republican close to the White House said Hegseth has been "either dishonest or incorrect – neither of which are acceptable – about timelines, goals and objectives since the beginning."
Senator Thom Tillis told CBS News that Hegseth "had a reckoning coming" and questioned whether he is the right person to advance the administration’s $1.5 trillion defense spending plan in the final weeks of the congressional session.
Democratic leaders, including Representative Adam Smith, said they will pursue vigorous oversight of the Iran war, the Pentagon’s handling of Ukraine, and recent military actions in Latin America, which some have labeled potential war crimes.
President Donald Trump has defended Hegseth, stating on Wednesday that he believes the secretary is "doing a very good job" and recalling a March comment in which Hegseth urged action to prevent a nuclear threat.
Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said the department remains unified behind the secretary’s vision and will continue to prioritize warfighters and the United States.
Congressman Thomas Massie has filed eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth and is working to bring a House vote on the matter.