The White House has dismissed reports that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio could leave President Donald Trump’s administration following the Republican Party’s heavy losses in the November 3 midterm elections.
The speculation comes amid growing pressure on the Trump administration over its handling of the war with Iran, which has been blamed by some Republicans for the party’s poor electoral performance.
According to reports, Hegseth faces mounting criticism over his leadership at the Pentagon, with some Republican lawmakers and media commentators calling for his replacement.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie has threatened to revive impeachment proceedings against the Defence Secretary, with plans to introduce the motion as early as next week.
However, Hegseth has defended his record, dismissing the impeachment effort as politically motivated.
In a video statement, he said: “You see, they attack me. They attack us because we are effective. It’s not going to work. We will not back down.”
President Trump has also publicly backed Hegseth, saying he has every intention of keeping him in the position despite acknowledging that he has received calls concerning the Defence Secretary’s future.
Trump further praised Hegseth’s performance, describing his work as “fantastic”.
Meanwhile, Rubio has dismissed speculation that he is considering resigning to prepare for a possible 2028 presidential campaign.
Speaking to The New York Times on Thursday, November 5, Rubio said serving under Trump until the end of his presidential term had always been his intention.
“Working for President Trump until the end of his term has always been my plan,” Rubio said.
He added: “I love the work I’m doing.”
The Secretary of State also questioned the origins of reports suggesting he was preparing to leave the administration, saying he did not know where the claims had come from.
Both the White House and the State Department have described reports of Rubio’s possible departure as false.
The political uncertainty follows significant Republican setbacks in the midterm elections, which handed Democrats control of both chambers of Congress and are expected to intensify scrutiny of the Trump administration when the new Congress takes office in January 2027.
The developments leave Hegseth facing a more immediate political challenge, while Rubio continues to dismiss speculation about his future in the administration.
