Democrats win Congress, pressure mounts on Defense Secretary Hegseth

After Democrats won majorities in both houses of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces investigations and possible impeachment over the Iran war and other scandals.

Following the Republican defeat in the midterm elections, the Washington Post reports growing uncertainty at the Pentagon and fears of senior officials being fired. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is in the crosshairs, but two other senior commanders, CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, may also pay the price. Trump has publicly stated he does not intend to fire anyone, but sources familiar with internal discussions described the situation as 'very dynamic' and said 'the knives are out.' The article details the role of the three in the war in Iran, whose cost is estimated at over $47 billion, and the political implications of Democratic gains, which are expected to lead to investigations and debates over the defense budget.