US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his support for Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, dismissing speculation about a possible leadership change at the Pentagon despite mounting criticism of the administration’s handling of the war with Iran.
Speaking to ABC News on Thursday, Trump said he had no plans to remove Hegseth, even though several people had approached him with complaints about the defence secretary’s performance.
“I have every intention to keep him,” Trump said.
The president acknowledged receiving calls questioning Hegseth’s leadership but appeared unconvinced by the criticism.
“I get these calls, you know, about him. I don’t understand why,” he added.
Trump’s remarks followed his dismissal of reports on Wednesday suggesting that he was considering replacing the Pentagon chief. Speaking to reporters, he insisted that Hegseth was “doing a very good job.”
The president also recognised that appointing a replacement would become more difficult once Democrats assume control of the Senate in January, as the incoming majority would have the votes needed to block a new nominee.
The Pentagon has similarly rejected suggestions that Hegseth could be preparing to leave his position.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell defended the defence secretary, saying he “will not back down or be deterred by politicians seeking to score partisan points.”
“Secretary Hegseth is 100% committed to leading the Department until the end of President Trump’s term in office,” Parnell added.
The renewed scrutiny comes after Republicans suffered setbacks in Tuesday’s midterm elections, prompting debate within the administration over the political consequences of the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Vice President JD Vance said on Wednesday that the war had been responsible for the Republican Party’s electoral losses.
Democrats have repeatedly criticised both the decision to pursue military action against Iran and Hegseth’s management of the conflict.
Despite the political pressure, Trump’s latest statements indicate that he intends to retain Hegseth as defence secretary as his administration faces increased congressional scrutiny following the midterm elections.