Media reports had emerged claiming that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were set to step down from their posts following the defeat faced by the Republican Party in the midterm elections.

However, both the White House and the US State Department have officially stated that these reports are completely false.

Key Points

  • Media reports claimed Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio were stepping down from their posts.
  • These rumours spread following the Republican Party's midterm election defeat.
  • The White House and the US State Department have completely rejected these reports.

Election defeat and Iran decisions

Political analysts have pointed out that military actions taken against Iran were a major reason for the Republican Party's defeat.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio served as key figures in making those military decisions, and speculation had emerged that they would step down amid post-election reshuffles.