Washington, Nov 06 (V7N)- The White House has rejected reports that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio may resign following the Republicans' heavy defeat in the midterm elections, as speculation grows over a possible shake-up in President Donald Trump's administration.

The denials came after several US media outlets reported that both officials could leave their positions. Hegseth has faced particular criticism over his handling of the war with Iran, which Trump and Vice-President JD Vance have acknowledged contributed to the Republicans' electoral setback.

Some lawmakers have called for Hegseth to be removed from office. Republican Representative Thomas Massie has also announced plans to push for an impeachment vote against the defence secretary when Congress returns next week.

Hegseth responded in a video message defending his record and criticising the impeachment initiative.

"They attack me. They attack us because we are effective," he said, adding that the effort would not make him back down.

Meanwhile, Rubio has dismissed reports that he is considering leaving the State Department to prepare for a possible presidential campaign in 2028.

In an interview with The New York Times, Rubio said it had always been his plan to serve in the Trump administration until the end of the President's term.

"I love the work I'm doing," he said, joking about the resignation rumours: "When they say he's leaving, I always laugh. I wonder, what job?"

The White House and the State Department have also rejected reports of Rubio's possible departure, describing them as "fake news".

Hegseth's political future, however, remains less certain. Democrats secured control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the midterm elections, while Trump and Vance have publicly acknowledged that the Iran war hurt Republican candidates.

In a telephone interview with ABC News, Trump said he had received calls from people raising concerns about Hegseth but insisted he had every intention of keeping him in the post.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump again praised the defence secretary, saying Hegseth had done a "fantastic job". He cited the US operation involving Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and the ongoing war with Iran among the administration's achievements under Hegseth's leadership.

However, The Washington Post reported that Trump could also consider changes involving Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine and US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper, both of whom played key roles in providing strategic advice during the Iran war.

Massie has urged Trump to remove Hegseth before the new Democratic-controlled Congress takes office in January, arguing that the President should have an opportunity to secure confirmation of a replacement.

There have also been reports that Hegseth is interested in a possible run for a vacant Senate seat in Tennessee.

In his video message, Hegseth described the impeachment effort as baseless and accused Massie and his Democratic allies of pursuing political attacks.

He also highlighted what he described as achievements under Trump's "America First" policy, including increased military recruitment, efforts to rebuild the defence industrial base and the cancellation of diversity initiatives at the Pentagon.

Criticising Democrats, Hegseth accused them of relying on political drama and personal attacks rather than policies.

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