Following a significant midterm election loss that saw Democrats regain control of Congress, former President Donald Trump is facing mounting pressure to reshuffle his cabinet. Republicans are reportedly seeking a scapegoat for the widespread defeats, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth identified as a potential target.
While Trump has publicly stated he has no plans to change his cabinet and insists the results were not related to his appointees, behind the scenes, he has been in contact with advisors about potential personnel changes. A White House insider familiar with the President's calls indicated that Trump has been inquiring about removing Hegseth.
Sources suggest Hegseth could be replaced before the new Congress is sworn in in January. Despite Trump's public assertions of support for Hegseth, he acknowledged that confirming a new Defense Secretary would be easier before Democrats take control of the Senate.
Democrats have also targeted Hegseth. Representative Jason Crow stated on CBS News' Face the Nation that removing Hegseth from the Pentagon was a "priority number one" if Democrats won the House. At least three other Democrats have reportedly filed articles seeking Hegseth's impeachment. A Democratic aide told CNN that Hegseth was considered "lowest hanging fruit" due to perceived animosity from both Republican and Democratic senators and staff. However, no Cabinet member has ever been successfully removed from office by the House.
Trump has also been active on social media, addressing election-related issues, including a "ballot scheme" scandal in Alaska concerning a candidate named "Decoy Dan." He accused Democrats of attempting to confuse voters in the race for the Senate seat held by Republican Dan Sullivan.
In his first public appearance since the midterm elections, Trump focused on the construction of a new White House ballroom, largely sidestepping questions about the election results. He admitted previously that the Iran war and rising gas prices had contributed to the Republican Party's losses.