White House Denies Reports of Hegseth, Rubio Exits Amid Trump Administration Shakeup Rumours

The White House has dismissed reports that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio could leave their positions following the Republican Party’s losses in the 2026 midterm elections.

While officials have described the reports about Rubio as “fake news”, Hegseth faces growing criticism over his handling of the Iran war, which President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance have blamed for the party’s poor electoral performance.

Hegseth Faces Impeachment Threat

Republican Representative Thomas Massie has said he will proceed with plans to introduce a resolution seeking Hegseth’s impeachment as early as next week.

Massie told Politico that he intends to trigger the resolution, while also urging Trump to replace the defence secretary before a new Democratic-controlled Congress takes office in January.

In response, Hegseth released a video statement defending his record and describing the impeachment effort as politically motivated.

“You see, they attack me. They attack us because we are effective. It's not going to work. We will not back down,” he said.

He also highlighted what he described as achievements under his leadership, including improved military recruitment, rebuilding the defence industrial base and ending diversity initiatives within the department.

Trump Defends Defence Secretary

Trump has indicated that he has no immediate plans to remove Hegseth, despite acknowledging that he had received calls concerning the defence secretary.

In an interview with ABC News, the president said he had “every intention” of keeping Hegseth. He later told reporters at the White House that the defence secretary had done a “fantastic job”.

However, The Washington Post reported that Trump could be considering changes involving General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command. Both military leaders have played significant roles in advising on the Iran war.

Rubio Rejects Departure Reports

Meanwhile, Rubio has dismissed speculation that he is considering leaving the State Department ahead of a possible 2028 presidential campaign.

Speaking to The New York Times, Rubio said remaining in the Trump administration until the end of the president’s term had always been his plan.

“I love the work I'm doing,” he said, adding that he often laughs at reports suggesting he intends to leave his position.

The White House and the State Department have also rejected the reports, describing them as false.

The developments come after the midterm elections gave Democrats control of both chambers of Congress, prompting renewed scrutiny of the Trump administration’s handling of the Iran war and other policy decisions.

BBC News