President Donald Trump is standing firmly behind Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth — but he also believes his Pentagon chief could have a promising political future in the U.S. Senate.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Trump praised Hegseth and suggested he would be a popular choice to replace Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), who won Tennessee’s gubernatorial election Tuesday.
“I think he’s doing a very good job, and I actually think he’d be very popular if he did that. But I haven’t heard that at all,” Trump said, according to The Hill.
The president’s remarks come amid growing speculation about Hegseth’s future following Republicans’ sweeping midterm election losses.
CBS News reported Wednesday that Trump had privately asked advisers whether Hegseth should remain in his position. However, when questioned directly about replacing the defense secretary, Trump dismissed the possibility.
“No, I think he’s doing a very good job,” the president said.
Hegseth’s name is already gaining traction in Tennessee political circles.
A recent UpOne Insights survey found Hegseth had a 72% favorable rating among Tennessee voters, compared with just 13% unfavorable, according to the Washington Examiner.
Blackburn’s victory creates an opening in the Senate when she assumes the governorship in January. Other potential contenders include Republican Reps. Tim Burchett and Chuck Fleischmann, along with former Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs.
Meanwhile, Hegseth faces mounting pressure from Democrats, who are preparing investigations into his handling of the Iran war and have raised the possibility of impeachment after taking control of Congress.
Despite the political turbulence, Trump has made clear he remains satisfied with Hegseth’s performance.
For now, a Senate appointment remains speculative. But the president’s public praise has added fresh intrigue to an increasingly competitive race for Blackburn’s seat.
