By Fatma Younis
Pete Hegseth is increasingly seen as a scapegoat for Republican losses in the 2026 midterm elections, despite President Donald Trump's public support for his defense secretary.
Impeachment Efforts Mount
The Iran war, cited by voters and Trump as a key reason for the losses, has been described as a Department of Defense-led effort. A former senior Pentagon official told CNN that if the president wants accountability, it falls on Hegseth. A Republican close to the White House said Hegseth has been dishonest or incorrect about timelines, goals, and objectives.
Trump Defends Hegseth
Vice President JD Vance publicly questioned the war's worth and said it cost Republicans control of Congress. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky filed eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth and plans to force a House vote. Trump has repeatedly defended Hegseth, saying he is doing a very good job. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson stated the department is unified behind the secretary's vision.
Republican Criticism Grows
Trump previously called Hegseth a key proponent of the conflict, quoting him as saying "Let's do it, because you can't let them have a nuclear weapon." Hegseth has been polarizing, with even Republican Sen. Thom Tillis warning of a "reckoning" and saying his strained relationship with lawmakers undermines a $1.5 trillion defense spending push.
Democratic Oversight Promised
Democrats have promised investigations into Hegseth's handling of the Pentagon, including the Iran war, purges of top military officers, Ukraine policy, and U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in Latin America, which some say could amount to war crimes. Rep. Adam Smith, expected to lead the House Armed Services Committee, pledged vigorous oversight.
