White House defends Hegseth and Rubio after election losses

White House denies resignation reports

The White House has denied rumours that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio might leave their jobs in a post-election shakeup of the Trump administration.

Hegseth blamed for election losses

US media have reported there are calls to replace Hegseth, particularly over his handling of the Iran war, which is being blamed for heavy Republican election losses.

Hegseth defends his record

The defence secretary posted a video statement defending his record. He said: "You see, they attack me. They attack us because we are effective. It's not going to work. We will not back down."

“You see, they attack me. They attack us because we are effective.”

Rubio denies leaving State Department

Rubio is denying reports he is considering leaving his post ahead of a 2028 presidential run.Working for Trump until the end of his term has always been his plan, he told The New York Times.

“I love the work I'm doing.”

Trump backs Hegseth despite pressure

Trump said he had received calls about Hegseth but had every intention of keeping him.

“Pete Hegseth has done a fantastic job.”

Massie pushes ahead with impeachment

Republican Representative Thomas Massie has said he will push for Hegseth's impeachment early next week. He warned that Trump should replace Hegseth before a new Democratic-controlled Congress forms in January.

“He should do it while he can still get the replacements confirmed in the Senate.”