Donald Trump has acknowledged receiving calls urging him to dismiss Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, but has publicly stated his intention to retain him. This comes after reports indicated Trump was quietly consulting advisors about Hegseth's future.
"I have every intention to keep him," Trump told ABC News, while also noting, "I get these calls, you know, about him. I don't understand why." This statement contrasts with insider accounts suggesting Trump spent time on Wednesday discussing Hegseth's job status with close advisors. Sources now anticipate Hegseth's potential departure before the new Congress is sworn in.
"Trump is making phone calls, contemplating it," a senior Republican source stated. Trump acknowledged that confirming a new Defense Secretary would be simpler before Democrats assume control of the Senate in January. Any nominee requires Senate committee approval and a simple majority vote, a process made more challenging with the shift in Senate control.
Hegseth's confirmation in January 2025 was narrow, decided by a tie-breaking vote from JD Vance. Discussions have emerged regarding a potential role for Hegseth in the Tennessee Senate seat that will be vacated by Marsha Blackburn in January, allowing her to appoint a successor.
"I actually think he'd be very popular if he did that. But I haven't heard that at all," Trump commented to reporters regarding the possibility of Hegseth running for the Senate seat. Following scrutiny of other officials like chief of staff Susie Wiles and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Hegseth has become a focal point.
According to insiders, Trump has been informed that Hegseth withheld information regarding key developments in the Iran war. "There's always some new information that he's being told after the fact," a White House insider claimed, citing instances where Trump questioned Hegseth about alleged destruction of Iranian surface-to-air defenses and missiles.
The incoming Democratic House is reportedly expected to pursue Hegseth, raising concerns about impeachment proceedings and a Senate trial, which are reportedly undesirable within the West Wing. The White House has officially dismissed these rumors, with spokeswoman Anna Kelly stating that the President has full confidence in Hegseth. A Pentagon spokesperson echoed this, asserting that "Secretary Hegseth always provides the President and White House senior leaders with the full operational picture."
