A Republican lawmaker wants to start proceedings to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, holding him responsible for the party's defeat in the midterm elections, according to De Telegraaf. The call was reported on Thursday, 5 November 2026.
The push comes as pressure grows on Hegseth's position, with Dutch outlets NU and de Volkskrant also reporting on the effort by a party colleague. President Trump has defended the embattled defense secretary, NU reported.
The midterm results have set off wider political movement. Democrat Hakeem Jeffries has put himself forward as a candidate for Speaker of the House, AD.nl and De Morgen reported, and markets posted solid gains after the elections, according to AD.nl.
The reports do not specify which Republican is seeking the removal proceedings or what grounds beyond the midterm defeat are being cited. It is also unclear whether the effort has broader support within the party.
What to watch next: whether the removal effort formally advances and how Trump and Republican leaders respond to the challenge to Hegseth.