Pete Hegseth remains Defense Secretary amid ongoing Pentagon reforms, including announced 20% cuts to general and admiral positions and a new drone command, as part of his October 2026 “State of the Force” address. These moves coincide with an active U.S. military role in the Iran conflict and internal leadership turnover, such as the August resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll over disputes regarding officer purges. Democratic calls for impeachment hearings have intensified ahead of the November midterms, citing war-powers concerns and personnel decisions, while some Republican senators have voiced management critiques. President Trump’s continued backing and the compressed timeline to year-end have sustained trader expectations that no Senate-confirmed removal or resignation will occur by December 31.