US House Leaders Compete for Top Post as Trump Defends Cabinet Choices

UPDATE - follow-up to Midterm fallout begins after Democrats win control of Congress: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise announced he will run for House minority leader. In a five-letter note to fellow Republicans, Scalise called the election outcome far worse than expected and urged his party to stay united.

Cabinet and Party Reactions

President Donald Trump said he is not planning to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating he believes Hegseth has done a very good job. Trump also gave his approval to Vice President JD Vance's social media post blaming the US war against Iran for Republican midterm losses. Trump admitted the conflict drove up gasoline prices and hurt GOP candidates, but insisted the war was necessary to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.

White House Construction

Speaking to reporters near the final beam for a new White House ballroom, Trump blamed Republican candidates themselves for failing to transfer the love from his rallies. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum joined the president for a beam signing ceremony, praising Trump as the builder-in-chief.

Context

Post-election leadership struggles and policy disagreements are common in Washington after a party loses control of the legislative branch in a midterm vote. Cabinets often face intense public scrutiny during periods of shifted political power, while presidents lean on executive authority to advance their core agenda.