The US midterm elections, which resulted in Democrats winning full control of Congress, have triggered discussions in the White House about potential personnel changes in the top military leadership. According to CBS News, President Donald Trump has discussed in phone calls with his advisers whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should step down amid the Republicans' crushing defeat.

Who Else Might Share the Blame

Not all White House aides, however, lean toward the scenario of Hegseth's resignation. Some of them, according to the same sources, believe that responsibility for the Republican losses will be partially pinned on Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the US Central Command, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Kane. Both top military officers, according to the publication, played a key role in commanding military operations against Iran.

Democrats and the Impeachment Issue

At the same time, other sources indicate that the president has not yet made a final decision on replacing Hegseth. It is noted that even before the elections, Democrats made attempts to impeach the defense secretary. Given that after the midterms Democrats hold an overwhelming majority in both chambers of Congress, the likelihood of such attempts resuming may increase, according to the publication.

DeSantis as a Candidate

One source told CBS News that Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is being considered among potential successors to Hegseth. His transition to federal leadership, under this version, could become possible after his term as governor expires on January 5.

White House Position

In an official statement, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated that Trump "fully trusts Secretary Hegseth." Kelly also praised the military operations in Iran and Venezuela, as well as the secretary's efforts aimed, as she put it, at reversing the Pentagon priorities established under the Biden administration as part of "DEI and woke ideology" programs.

Context: Democratic Control of Congress

Recall that following the midterm elections, Democrats captured a majority of seats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. According to CNN, Democrats already hold 227 seats in the House, with 218 needed for a majority, while Republicans have 134. Trump himself publicly acknowledged the midterm results and promised to work with Democrats, though, by his own account, he is convinced that Republicans "definitely would have won" if he had personally participated in the voting.