📰 1 source 4 articles · 5 Nov 2026, 14:53 → 7 days ago

The future of Pete Hegseth as U.S. Secretary of War: Trump's backing, replacement reports and congressional pressure

The story covers U.S. President Donald Trump's position on keeping Pete Hegseth as Secretary of War, between his confirmation in a television interview that he intends to keep him, a CBS News report citing sources that he is considering replacing him with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and sources telling Reuters that the possibility of replacement remains. This coincided with rising pressure in Congress, including a demand for defense funding of no less than $350 billion and efforts to remove Hegseth led by Republican Representative Thomas Massie.

📍 Where things stand: Trump publicly stands by Hegseth and describes his performance as great, while reports that he could be replaced and congressional pressure, including efforts to remove him and a demand for large defense funding, continue.

⏱️ Timeline

5 Nov 2026, 14:53 U.S. President Donald Trump told ABC News that he intends to keep Pete Hegseth in his position as Secretary of War.
5 Nov 2026, 15:07 CBS News reported, citing sources, that Donald Trump is considering replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
5 Nov 2026, 20:04 U.S. President Donald Trump ruled out dismissing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, reaffirming his support for him, and acknowledged that the war with Iran contributed to the Republicans losing the midterm elections. Reuters quoted sources as saying the possibility of replacing Hegseth remains, while an adviser to Trump said Hegseth may be about to lose his position because of the war.
6 Nov 2026, 08:44 As efforts to remove U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth renewed, Congress is demanding approval of defense funding of no less than $350 billion, and Republican Representative Thomas Massie is leading the removal efforts after presenting 8 articles of impeachment related to violating war powers during the confrontation with Iran. President Donald Trump settled his position by sticking with Hegseth and describing him as doing a great job, while Democrats prepare to tighten oversight.

Timeline written by AI from the sources below; updated as new reports arrive.

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CBS News, citing sources: Trump considering replacing Defense Secretary Hegseth with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

CBS News, citing sources, reported that Donald Trump is considering replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

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Trump to ABC News: I intend to keep Hegseth in his position as Secretary of War

U.S. President Donald Trump told ABC News that he intends to keep Hegseth in his position as Secretary of War.