Republicans turn on Hegseth after midterm defeat as impeachment vote looms

Republicans in Washington are confronting a leadership dispute over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after Democrats captured Congress by large margins in midterm elections held two days earlier. The political fallout has focused particular attention on Hegseth, whose support for the eight-month war in Iran has made him a target for critics inside his own party. President Donald Trump acknowledged on Wednesday that the conflict had influenced voters, saying frustration over sharply higher gas and diesel prices had contributed to the Republican defeat.

He nevertheless defended the military campaign, saying the United States “had to do” it and that the operation would continue. Trump also rejected suggestions that Hegseth was about to be dismissed, saying the defense secretary was “doing a very good job.” Vice President JD Vance has taken a markedly different public position. In a post on X, Vance wrote that “the reason we lost is the war” and challenged those who believed the conflict had been worth the political cost, including the loss of the Senate for six years.

His comments have underscored the split within the administration over whether the war’s strategic and economic consequences justified the campaign. Hegseth has been one of the most outspoken Washington advocates of military action against Iran. He has criticised lawmakers and journalists who questioned the war’s objectives, costs and lack of congressional authorization.

Critics have also accused him of failing to be candid about damage to American bases in the Middle East and the scale of troop casualties. Hegseth denies wrongdoing, according to the reports. His position was already vulnerable before the Iran conflict.

DW reported that a Signal group chat in October 2025, in which Hegseth and Vance discussed a proposed strike on Yemen, accidentally included a journalist and prompted calls for his dismissal. Hegseth has also purged dozens of senior military officers and denied promotions to others, actions that have drawn further scrutiny. CNN, citing Republican lawmakers and other party sources speaking anonymously, reported that support for Hegseth is weakening.

The Washington Post described the political situation at the Defense Department as “very dynamic,” with “knives out.” However, the Post also reported that people close to the administration had discussed dismissing Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine or Admiral Brad Cooper, who has overseen the war, rather than Hegseth. The immediate test may come from the House. Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has said he intends to force an impeachment vote, and Republican sources cited by CNN expect it to pass.

Massie described his resolution as a “much gentler” measure than the investigations and trials Democrats could pursue after taking control of Congress in January. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth “will not back down” in response to what he called partisan attacks and “phony investigations.” Democrats, meanwhile, have promised aggressive oversight. Representative Jason Crow called Hegseth incompetent and corrupt, while Representative Adam Smith said investigating the Defense Department, the administration and what he termed the “illegal war against Iran” would be a priority.

Trump’s continued backing leaves Hegseth in office for now, but the election has sharply narrowed his political room for manoeuvre.