Trump considers firing Hegseth after midterm losses, DeSantis suggested as replacement - report

Both Trump himself and Vice President JD Vance cited the war with Iran as one of the primary reasons behind the Republicans' losses.

US President Donald Trump has been consulting with advisers on whether to keep Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in his current role following the Republicans' losses in Tuesday's election, CBS News reported on Wednesday, citing multiple sources. 

Both Trump himself and Vice President JD Vance cited the war with Iran as one of the primary reasons behind the Republicans' losses.

As a result, CBS reported, some White House aides predicted some of the blame for the losses will land on the chief of US Central Command, Adm. Brad Cooper, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine. 

Other sources told CBS that Trump hadn't decided to replace Hegseth.

Before the midterm elections, Democrat lawmakers were already trying to impeach Hegseth, an effort that could succeed with Democrats holding strong majorities in Congress.  

DeSantis floated as possible replacement

One name being floated as a possible replacement for Hegseth is GOP Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, one source told CBS.

DeSantis could potentially go through Senate confirmation in the lame-duck period and then take the post when his term expires on January 5.

When asked for comments on the reports surrounding Hegseth's future, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said that Trump "has full confidence in Secretary Hegseth."