Pete Hegseth faces mounting pressure over Iran war after midterm defeat

United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is confronting intensifying scrutiny and calls for his removal following major Republican defeats in recent midterm elections, where the ongoing military conflict with Iran emerged as a primary voter concern.

Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress in the vote, handing the party subpoena power and the ability to challenge military budgets. Leaders within the incoming congressional majority have already signaled intentions to scrutinize Hegseth’s leadership and his conduct of the war.

The conflict has disrupted international trade, with Iran partially obstructing the Strait of Hormuz. The resulting economic strain and spike in energy prices heavily influenced the electorate. Vice President JD Vance attributed the party’s losses directly to the war, an assessment President Donald Trump concurred with, calling it largely true.

Even so, Trump publicly backed his defense chief, stating that Hegseth is doing a very good job when questioned about a possible dismissal. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell affirmed that Hegseth remains fully committed to serving through the remainder of the presidential term and dismissed congressional threats as partisan grandstanding.

Nevertheless, pressure is mounting from both sides of the aisle. Representative Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, indicated that overseeing the Defense Department and examining the legality of the Iran military campaign will be top priorities. Democratic Representative Jason Crow also announced intentions to pursue investigations, accusing Hegseth of incompetence and harming national security.

Threats of removal are also emerging from within the Republican ranks. Representative Thomas Massie stated he intends to file impeachment articles against the defense secretary once the House reconvenes, warning that his resolution would be milder than the proceedings anticipated under Democratic leadership. Massie indicated he would only withdraw the measure if Hegseth resigned.

Hegseth’s tenure at the Pentagon has encountered multiple controversies since he assumed office in early 2025. Earlier incidents include an operational leak involving strikes in Yemen, where a journalist was mistakenly added to an internal messaging group discussing strike timelines.

Further scrutiny has centered on maritime strikes against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, alongside high-profile dismissals of top military brass, including former Joint Chiefs Chairman Charles "CQ" Brown. A recently abandoned proposal to livestream a military firing squad execution also drew widespread backlash.

Incoming Democratic leaders plan to investigate these matters alongside the domestic deployment of troops to American cities and allegations of politicizing the military establishment.