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OAKLAND PARK, Fla. (Gambling911.com) - President Donald Trump said Thursday he intends to keep Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in his job following a strong showing by the Democrats in this year's midterm elections that resulted in that party taking control of both the House and Senate.
"I have every intention to keep him,” Trump said.
That response sent Hegseth's chance of exiting the Trump Administration from 74% just 24 hours ago to 65% Wednesday afternoon at Kalsh.
Trump acknowledged receiving calls from people unhappy with Hegseth, but said, “I get these calls, you know, about him. I don't understand why.”
Trump has acknowledged that the war with Iran had contributed to Republicans' sweeping midterm losses.
There is also speculation that Hegseth is eyeing Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn's soon-to-be-vacated Tennessee seat.
Blackburn, who won Tennessee's gubernatorial race Tuesday, declined to weigh in on who might be picked to fill her Senate seat. Asked about who would be appointed, she said, "It's not a conversation for today."
Trump also acknowledged it would be easier to confirm a replacement for Hegseth before Democrats take over in January.
Hegseth can also still be impeached before January 2027, even though Republicans currently control the House. And Rep. Thomas Massie believes he can attract enough Republican votes to make that happen. Massie intends to introduce an impeachment resolution on Monday or Tuesday of next week.
The outgoing congressman's impeachment effort stalled earlier this year when Speaker Mike Johnson canceled the remaining floor votes before the chamber broke for its midterm recess. Massie intends to use a question of the privileges of the House, a procedural mechanism that can force the chamber to address his resolution.
The important distinction is that impeachment requires only a simple majority in the House, not a two-thirds majority.
Even if the House impeaches Hegseth next week, the Republican-controlled Senate could decline to convict him. Two-thirds of senators present must vote to convict and remove him.
- GIlbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
