BBC Global News

Pete Hegseth under pressure after US elections

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Pressure grows on the US defence secretary following the Republicans' midterm losses. The war in Iran, which Pete Hegseth supported, is being blamed for the defeats - but President Trump said he intended to keep Mr Hegseth on. The defence secretary issues a defiant video statement defending his record. Also: Melania Trump hosts Russian and Ukrainian representatives at the White House. US tech stocks lose hundreds of billions of dollars over fears the Democrats could slow down AI development. Paraguay's president faces impeachment over the collapse of a bank that he had connections with. And the blind Nigerian woman hoping to retain her martial arts title.

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Photo: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks in a video statement, in Arlington, Virginia, US in this still image from handout video released November 5, 2026.
Credit: X/Reuters
6 Nov 12AM English United Kingdom News

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