White House denies Hegseth and Rubio will leave after midterm losses
The White House has denied reports that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio might leave their posts after Republican midterm losses, BBC and other outlets reported on 5–6 November.
The White House has denied reports that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio might leave their posts after Republican midterm losses, BBC and other outlets reported on 5–6 November.
Rubio told the New York Times that serving through the end of President Trump's term has 'always been my plan' and dismissed exit speculation. The State Department called some reports 'fake news'. Trump said he has 'every intention' of keeping Hegseth.
Hegseth faces political pressure over the Iran war, blamed by some Republicans for the election setback, and an impeachment push from at least one outgoing Republican. He released a video saying he will not back down. No resignations have been announced.
Trump told ABC News he had received ‘calls about’ Hegseth but had ‘every intention’ of keeping him. The Washington Post reported that Trump might consider replacing General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or Centcom chief Admiral Brad Cooper. Trump and Vice President JD Vance have both blamed the Iran war, now in its ninth month, for the Republican losses that gave Democrats control of the House and Senate.