US President Backs Defence Secretary Amid Political Fallout From Midterm Defeat

UPDATE - follow-up to U.S. midterm elections 2026 LIVE: Republican U.S. House Speaker to step down; Zelenskyy hopes Democrat gains will bring more help for Ukraine: U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced support for Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth as questions grow over his future following the party's defeat in the midterm elections. When reporters asked if he planned to replace Mr. Hegseth, whom he previously called a champion of the war, Mr. Trump replied that he is doing a very good job.

Shifting Fortunes

Despite the public backing, sources indicate Mr. Hegseth could still face removal as party leaders review their losses. One adviser noted that someone must take the blame for the defeat, and it will not be the President. This situation mirrors the 2006 midterms when then-President George Bush fired Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld the morning after voter discontent over the Iraq war handed Congress to the Democrats.

Context

Midterm elections in the United States take place midway through a president's four-year term and often serve as a referendum on the current administration's policies. Cabinet members frequently face intense political pressure or replacement when the ruling party suffers major losses in Congress.