Republicans quickly turn against Pete Hegseth after midterms rout

Key Points:

• Following historic midterm losses blamed largely on the war in Iran, House Republicans are moving to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of pushing for the conflict without a clear exit strategy or plan for political fallout.
• Many GOP lawmakers privately acknowledge broader party issues but are unwilling to directly blame President Trump, instead targeting Hegseth, who has few allies on Capitol Hill and is seen as responsible for advocating escalation despite the war’s quagmire.
• Despite growing criticism, Trump continues to support Hegseth, calling him "the best guy" and denying any plans to remove him, especially as further strikes against Iran may be considered and Senate confirmations could become difficult.
• Hegseth remains defiant, prepared to fight impeachment efforts and congressional scrutiny, asserting his commitment to leading the Pentagon through the end of Trump's term and defending the administration’s policies.
• Some Republicans view Hegseth as a convenient scapegoat for the midterm losses, though they acknowledge the war’s political damage is part of a larger pattern of problems facing the GOP under Trump’s leadership.