US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing growing scrutiny after Republicans suffered major defeats in the 2026 midterm elections. Some Trump administration aides reportedly blame the Iran war for the GOP's losses, raising questions about Hegseth's future at the Pentagon. President Donald Trump acknowledged that the conflict contributed to the defeat but publicly defended Hegseth, calling him "terrific." Republican Senator Thom Tillis warned that Hegseth faces a "reckoning," while reports suggest senior military figures, including Dan Caine and Brad Cooper, could also come under scrutiny. With Democrats preparing investigations into the Pentagon, the White House insists Trump retains full confidence in his defense secretary.