Dems float Hegseth’s ouster in lame-duck defense battle

Senate Democrats are reportedly considering removing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as part of postelection negotiations to secure bipartisan support on critical defense measures, signaling a potential shift in leadership amid lingering tensions over national security priorities. The move comes as lawmakers weigh the political fallout of Hegseth’s tenure against the urgency of passing key defense legislation before the end of the congressional session. With control of the Senate hanging in the balance, the discussion reflects broader struggles over how to advance security policy in a divided government. Whether such a proposal gains traction could reshape the defense agenda in the coming weeks.

Welcome to The Hill's Defense & NatSec newsletter {beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security   The Big Story Dems float Hegseth’s ouster in lame-duck defense battle Senate Democrats are quietly floating the ouster of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after the midterms as the political price for cooperation on key defense-related issues in the postelection...