Trump considers firing defense secretary after midterm defeat

US network CBS News has reported that President Donald Trump is consulting his advisers about dismissing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

This comes after a defeat that unsettled Republicans in the congressional elections, with Trump raising the issue with his advisers during in-person meetings and phone calls.

Some White House aides expect part of the blame for the Republican loss to fall on US Central Command chief Admiral Michael Kurilla and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, who played key roles in providing military advice on the war with Iran.

There is speculation that the defense secretary could face impeachment proceedings in Congress, as Democrats had already begun efforts to question him before the elections and now hold majorities in both the House and Senate.

Trump acknowledged that the war with Iran contributed to his party's defeat, saying Iran was among the reasons for the loss.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been floated as a possible replacement for Hegseth, with the possibility of Senate confirmation during the congressional transition period. He would assume the role after his term as governor ends on January 5.