# Pete Hegseth faces blame as Republicans seek answers for midterm defeat

https://mins.news/en/item/131289

- DW, 2026-11-05 19:08 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/pete-hegseth-under-fire-as-republicans-seek-blame-for-midterm-debacle/a-79869867?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> After Republicans’ midterm losses, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing criticism from party members who say the Iran war and high energy prices helped Democrats. Trump continues to back Hegseth for now, while Vice President JD Vance blamed the war for the defeat. Representative Thomas Massie plans to trigger an impeachment vote.

## Stories

- [Iran US War and Gulf Escalation](https://mins.news/en/topic/iran-us-war-and-gulf-escalation) — Markdown: https://mins.news/en/topic/iran-us-war-and-gulf-escalation.md

## Related coverage

- [Pressure grows on US Defence Secretary Hegseth after Republican election losses](https://mins.news/en/item/132752) — France 24, 2026-11-06
- [Hegseth says “we will not back down” as Republicans blame Iran war for midterm losses](https://mins.news/en/video/132534) — CBS News, 2026-11-06
- [Hegseth may take blame for Republican midterm losses despite Trump’s backing](https://mins.news/en/item/129881) — The Guardian, 2026-11-05