Republican Senator Thom Tillis blames Hegseth for blocking defence funding; Trump backs him

WASHINGTON: US Republican Senator Thom Tillis said on Wednesday that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth could face serious difficulties in Congress after the midterm elections. Speaking to CBS News, he said Hegseth would have to answer for his record and was among the reasons why the funding and guarantees needed for defence were not being secured.

Tillis urged members to reconsider whether Hegseth was fit to lead the Pentagon.

Tillis voted to confirm Hegseth in January 2025, but now calls it the biggest regret of his career. He is among Hegseth’s harshest Republican critics. Last month, he wrote on X that he had never seen military personnel managed so incompetently, and told President Trump to find a new head for the Pentagon.

The war with Iran is continuing, and Democrats have threatened to block $70 billion in emergency military funding and the annual defence budget bill. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie is seeking impeachment proceedings against Hegseth later this month or in December.

In Tuesday’s elections, Democrats won a majority in both chambers, and power in Congress is expected to change hands in January. Asked on Wednesday whether he was considering replacing Hegseth, President Trump said he thought Hegseth was doing a very good job.