Trump denies firing Hegseth, but speculation over his replacement continues [U.S. Midterm Elections]

[Financial News] U.S. President Donald Trump officially denied speculation that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would be fired, which arose after the midterm election defeat. However, reports in major media outlets have revealed signs that Trump is sounding out close associates on whether to dismiss Hegseth. With potential successors also being discussed, a sweeping personnel shake-up in the Trump administration is expected to gather pace.
On the 4th (local time), U.S. media reported that immediately after the election results, calls for accountability over security and foreign policy failures poured out from within and beyond political circles, and Hegseth was named the top target for dismissal.
Local media outlets, including CBS News, reported, citing multiple sources, that “President Trump has not made a final decision, but is asking his advisers whether firing Hegseth is the right thing to do.”
At a news conference about the construction of a new White House ballroom, President Trump was asked whether he was considering replacing Secretary Hegseth. He initially dismissed speculation that Hegseth would be fired, saying, “I think he’s doing a good job.” But, referring to the seat of Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), he said, “I think he would be very popular if he ran for the Senate,” hinting that he was considering a personnel move that would effectively encourage Hegseth to step down or take another post.
Meanwhile, NBC News reported that President Trump is seriously considering Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as Hegseth’s successor.
Pressure on Secretary Hegseth had already been mounting before the election. Last September, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) warned that he would introduce articles of impeachment if Hegseth remained in office, and he did submit articles of impeachment containing eight counts. At the time, House Speaker Mike Johnson sent lawmakers home early, delaying a vote. But now that Democrats have taken control of Congress, efforts to advance the impeachment measure are expected to pick up speed again.
The core of the impeachment articles is an alleged “violation of the War Powers Act.” According to the articles filed, Secretary Hegseth initiated and continued military hostilities with Iran without a declaration of war or legal authorization from Congress.
With Democrats having retaken full control of Congress in the midterm elections, hearings and impeachment efforts against Secretary Hegseth, who sparked controversy by pressing ahead with the conflict with Iran, are expected to intensify.

[email protected] Yoon Jae-joon Reporter