Citing sources, CBS News reported that Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, and General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, could be blamed for the losses because of their roles directing military operations against Iran. Vice President JD Vance also connected the war to the setback in a social media post on Wednesday, writing: “The reason we lost is the war. The president himself said so last night.”
Vance said a pollster asked voters what would bring them back to the Republican Party. He listed four answers: “End the war, focus on cost of living/inflation, put America first, change our relationship to Israel”. He urged Republicans angered by the results to support candidates who share their worldview. The Democratic gains have also raised questions about Vance’s previous position as the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028.
According to the report, a person close to the discussions suggested Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a possible replacement for Hegseth. The source said DeSantis could secure Senate approval during the lame-duck period before leaving the governor’s mansion on January 5.
Asked on Wednesday whether he would replace Hegseth, Trump said the defence secretary was “doing a very good job.” Trump also said Hegseth could be popular if he ran for a vacant Tennessee Senate seat, but added that he “haven’t heard that at all.” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the president “has full confidence in Secretary Hegseth”. She defended US military operations in Iran and Venezuela and praised Hegseth’s efforts to dismantle diversity and equity initiatives introduced by the previous administration. Last month, Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth, accusing him of starting the Iran conflict without congressional authorisation.
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