# Trump backs Hegseth as defense secretary amid political tension

> Trump says Hegseth is doing a very good job despite political backlash over Iran war and Pentagon reforms.
- Title: Trump backs Hegseth as defense secretary amid political…
- Summary: Trump says Hegseth is doing a very good job despite political backlash over Iran war and Pentagon reforms. Trump defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's…
- Keywords: trump, pete hegseth, defense secretary, iran war, congress, midterm elections, pentagon, The Straits Times
- Source: The Straits Times — https://straitstimes.com/world/united-states/trump-says-hegseth-doing-a-very-good-job-as-questions-swirl-about-defense-secretarys-future
- Published: 2026-11-05T00:10:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: trump, pete hegseth, defense secretary, iran war, congress, midterm elections, pentagon, news, world
## Trump defends Hegseth
Trump backed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Nov 4 after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress.

> No, I think he’s doing a very good job
## Hegseth's political challenges
Hegseth faces impeachment threats and criticism over Iran war policy from Republican lawmakers.
## Congressional tensions
Senator Thom Tillis warned Hegseth could be replaced due to strained relationships with lawmakers.

> I think after the election, we need to determine whether or not he’s the best person to bring those needs to Congress
## Potential replacement
Trump suggested Hegseth might fill Tennessee senator Marsha Blackburn's vacant seat.

> Well, I think he’s doing a very good job, and I actually think he’d be very popular if he did that
## Pentagon reforms
Hegseth's plans to livestream Army execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan faced backlash.
## Iran war criticism
Hegseth criticized Democrats for urging troops to refuse illegal orders during military operations.

> Hegseth accused them of sedition
## Defense spending concerns
Republicans face challenges securing $1.5 trillion defense spending package due to Hegseth's congressional relations.
## Key takeaway

Trump defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's performance after midterm election losses and congressional criticism over Iran war policy.