White House Denies Hegseth and Rubio Exit Rumours After Republican Election Losses

The White House has dismissed speculation that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio could leave their positions following the Republican Party’s heavy losses in the 2026 midterm elections.

The rumours have emerged amid growing pressure on the Trump administration over its handling of the war with Iran, which President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance have acknowledged contributed to the Republicans’ poor election performance.

Democrats secured control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, dealing a major political setback to the Republican administration.

While Rubio has firmly rejected suggestions that he is preparing to leave government, Hegseth faces mounting criticism over his leadership of the Pentagon and the military campaign against Iran.

Rubio Rules Out Leaving Trump Administration

Rubio has denied reports that he is considering leaving his position ahead of a possible 2028 presidential campaign.

In an interview with The New York Times, he said serving in the Trump administration until the end of the president’s term had always been his plan.

“I love the work I’m doing,” Rubio said, adding that he found speculation about his departure amusing.

The White House and the State Department have also dismissed reports of Rubio’s possible exit, describing them as “fake news”.

Trump Defends Hegseth Amid Replacement Speculation

Hegseth, however, faces a more uncertain political future following the Republican election losses.

In a telephone interview with ABC News, Trump acknowledged receiving calls about the defence secretary but said he had “every intention” of keeping him in the administration.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump also praised Hegseth’s performance, declaring that he had done a “fantastic job”.

Despite the president’s public support, reports suggest that some political figures are calling for changes within the Pentagon leadership over the handling of the Iran war.

The Washington Post has also reported that Trump could be considering changes involving Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine or US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper, both of whom have played significant roles in advising on the conflict.

Thomas Massie Pushes for Hegseth Impeachment

Hegseth is also facing an impeachment threat from Republican Representative Thomas Massie, a frequent critic of President Trump.

Massie has indicated that he intends to move forward with an impeachment resolution against the defence secretary when Congress returns next week.

He has argued that Trump should consider replacing Hegseth before the incoming Democratic-controlled Congress takes office in January, giving the administration an opportunity to secure Senate confirmation for a replacement.

Hegseth has responded by defending his record and dismissing the impeachment effort as politically motivated.

In a video statement, he described the proposed action as a “sham” and accused his critics of using political theatre to undermine the administration.

“You see, they attack me. They attack us because we are effective,” he said, insisting that he would not back down.

He also highlighted what he described as achievements under his leadership, including efforts to improve military recruitment, rebuild the defence industrial base and reverse diversity initiatives within the military.

Political Pressure Mounts on Trump Administration

The developments come at a difficult moment for the Trump administration as Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers of Congress.

The election results have intensified scrutiny of the administration’s handling of the Iran war, with critics questioning its strategy and the political and economic consequences of the conflict.

Although Trump has publicly backed Hegseth, the growing calls for his impeachment and reports of possible changes within the Pentagon have added uncertainty to his position.

For now, the White House has rejected suggestions of an immediate cabinet shake-up, while Rubio has made clear that he intends to remain in his role.

Hegseth’s political future, however, could face a major test when Congress returns next week.

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