President Donald Trump publicly defended War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday, rejecting questions about whether he planned to replace the Pentagon chief following Democrats’ victories in both chambers of Congress. However, sources familiar with internal discussions say Hegseth’s position could remain uncertain as the administration assesses the Republican Party’s midterm losses, which were partly attributed to voter dissatisfaction with the war in Iran.

Asked by reporters whether he was considering replacing Hegseth, Trump responded, “No, I think he's doing a very good job.” The remarks came one day after Democrats secured control of the House and Senate, setting up a shift in congressional oversight when the new Congress convenes in January.

The public show of support has not eliminated speculation about Hegseth’s future. One Trump adviser told Reuters that the War Secretary “could be on the chopping block” because of the Iran conflict, adding that someone would likely be held responsible for the political consequences and suggesting Trump himself would not be the person blamed. Other sources said disagreements over Hegseth’s handling of the war and his relationships with lawmakers have featured in White House discussions about potential replacements.

Trump has previously described Hegseth as one of the leading advocates for military action against Iran. During remarks on March 23, the president recalled that Hegseth had been among the first administration officials to support launching the conflict, saying, “Pete, I think you were the first one to speak up, and you said, 'Let's do it, because you can't let them have a nuclear weapon.'”

Vice President JD Vance also publicly questioned the political cost of the war on Wednesday, arguing that the conflict played a central role in the Republican defeat. Vance wrote that the war was the reason Republicans lost, citing Trump’s own acknowledgment of its impact. His comments highlighted divisions within the administration over the conflict as the party faces pressure to explain its election losses.

Hegseth has also faced growing resistance from members of Congress, including Republicans. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky filed articles of impeachment against him earlier this year, accusing the War Secretary of abusing his office by launching military hostilities against Iran without congressional authorization. Hegseth and the administration have rejected allegations of wrongdoing and maintained that the Pentagon has acted lawfully.

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina warned Tuesday that Hegseth faces a political reckoning, arguing that his strained relationships with lawmakers could undermine the administration’s effort to secure approval for a proposed $1.5 trillion defense spending package. Tillis questioned whether Hegseth was the right person to negotiate with Congress, particularly with the current congressional session nearing its end.

Democrats have promised extensive investigations into the Pentagon once they assume control of both chambers. Their scrutiny is expected to cover Hegseth’s handling of the Iran war, the removal of senior military officers, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. policy toward Ukraine, and American military strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in Latin American waters. Some Democratic lawmakers have also raised allegations of potential war crimes related to military operations, claims the administration has vigorously disputed.

Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the Democrat expected to lead the House Armed Services Committee next year, has pledged aggressive oversight of the Pentagon. Smith has specifically raised concerns about the war and what he described as the erosion of the military’s traditionally apolitical foundation.

Hegseth’s confrontations with lawmakers have also extended beyond the Iran conflict. Last year, he sought to prosecute Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly after Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds released a video urging service members to refuse illegal orders. Hegseth accused the lawmakers of sedition, further escalating tensions between the Pentagon chief and congressional Democrats.

Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Hegseth remains committed to leading the department through the end of Trump’s term on January 20, 2029. Parnell described the War Secretary as “100% committed” to the position and said the Pentagon had followed the law. He added that Hegseth would not be deterred by what he characterized as politically motivated investigations.

Another possibility raised in Washington is that Hegseth could leave the Pentagon for a Senate seat. Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn won the state’s gubernatorial election Tuesday and is expected to vacate her Senate seat when she takes office in January. Blackburn has four years remaining in her current Senate term, and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee would appoint her replacement.

Hegseth, who lives in Tennessee and voted there Tuesday, has been mentioned as a possible appointee. Trump did not rule out the possibility when asked about it Wednesday, saying Hegseth could be popular in the position, although he added that he had not heard of any concrete proposal. Blackburn declined to discuss potential replacements for her seat.

Trump has otherwise denied plans for an immediate Cabinet shakeup following the election. Speaking to Fox News late Tuesday, he said the Republican losses had not prompted him to consider replacing members of his administration. His public support for Hegseth also follows a recent disagreement over the War Secretary’s proposal to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan. Trump ultimately halted the plan after objections from Republican lawmakers, religious leaders and other observers.

For now, Hegseth remains in his position, with the president publicly backing him and the Pentagon insisting he intends to serve through the end of the administration. However, the prospect of Democratic investigations, Republican criticism, and continuing disagreements over the Iran war has left his longer-term future under scrutiny.