Trump still likes Hegseth and thinks he should “fight back against Democratic attacks,” even as aides criticize him and some Trump officials see him as a potential scapegoat for Tuesday’s sweeping GOP losses

President Donald Trump still personally likes Pete Hegseth and believes he should fight back against Democratic attacks, CNN reported, citing White House officials.

Trump has privately sought feedback on Hegseth’s performance. Some senior advisers and Cabinet officials have grown increasingly critical of him as the Iran war drags on.

Hegseth remains defiant and has discussed possible political ambitions, including running for office in Tennessee. Some Trump officials also view him as a potential scapegoat for Tuesday’s sweeping Republican midterm losses.