US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could become the scapegoat for the Republican Party’s crushing defeat in the congressional midterm elections, CNN reported. The House of Representatives may consider impeachment proceedings against the Pentagon chief as early as next week, despite President Donald Trump’s public support for him.

According to CNN, several Republican lawmakers blame Hegseth for persuading Trump to launch the military campaign against Iran. They argue that the defense secretary failed to develop a clear strategy for ending the conflict or take adequate steps to limit its political fallout.

Republican sources cited by the network accused Hegseth of misleading the president or providing inaccurate assessments from the outset, particularly regarding the operation’s timeline, objectives and overall goals. They argued that if Trump intends to hold someone accountable for the consequences of the Iran campaign, responsibility should fall on the Pentagon chief.

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has emerged as one of the leading figures behind the impeachment effort. He announced plans to bring the proposal to a vote next week, once Congress resumes its work.

Massie went further in a social media statement, arguing that Hegseth’s only way to avoid impeachment would be to resign voluntarily.

The growing pressure comes despite Trump’s earlier refusal to dismiss the defense secretary. The president had publicly praised Hegseth’s performance and rejected the possibility of removing him from office.

However, CBS News previously reported that Trump had discussed Hegseth’s future at the Pentagon with his advisers following the Republicans' electoral defeat.

The reports highlight mounting tensions within the Republican Party over the political consequences of the military campaign against Iran, with Hegseth facing calls for accountability even as Trump continues to defend him publicly.