OMM Newsroom
U.S. President Donald Trump has told some allies in recent days that he is considering replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, NBC News reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the discussions. Anadolu Agency reported the story.
Two people familiar with the conversations told NBC News that, ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections, Trump asked several allies whom they would recommend to succeed Hegseth.
The discussions come amid growing tensions between Hegseth and members of Congress from both parties over the administration’s military operations, transparency and Pentagon spending.
Some of Hegseth’s upcoming travel has also been put on hold, according to four people familiar with the matter. Two said the changes could be related to Trump’s consideration of resuming major military action in Iran, or could reflect political developments after the midterms, where the continuing war in Iran was a major issue.
Hegseth was among the few Cabinet members absent from the White House East Room on Tuesday night, where Trump and administration officials gathered to watch election results, according to a senior administration official and two other people familiar with the gathering.
A Defense Department official confirmed Hegseth was in Washington but gave no further explanation for his absence.
Trump dismissed speculation about a possible leadership change on Wednesday, telling reporters he did not plan to replace the Pentagon chief.
“No, he’s doing a very good job,” Trump said.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell also defended Hegseth, saying the defense secretary remained committed to his position.
“We will continue to drive President Trump’s agenda at the Department, despite threats of sham witch hunts from Democrats — and Secretary Hegseth is 100% committed to leading the Department until the end of President Trump’s term in office,” Parnell said, according to the report.
Hegseth has faced mounting criticism from lawmakers in both parties. Some have questioned the administration’s handling of the war with Iran and called for greater transparency about military operations and their financial costs.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a vocal critic of the conflict, introduced a resolution in September seeking Hegseth’s impeachment.
“There is one contingency in which I won’t reintroduce the articles of impeachment: Hegseth resigns,” Massie wrote on the U.S. social media platform “X”.
The reported discussions over possible replacements add to uncertainty about Hegseth’s future at the Pentagon, although Trump has publicly defended him and the White House has given no indication that a leadership change is imminent.
