By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday reportedly working to build a new political alliance by reaching out to supporters of President Donald Trump who are unhappy with the administration’s policies.

The move came after the Republican Party suffered major setbacks in the November 3 midterm elections, with Vance looking ahead to the 2028 presidential election.

Trump is facing questions over Pete Hegseth’s future as Secretary of War amid the Iran conflict and growing calls for his impeachment, media reports stated.

According to a Fox News Digital report cited multiple people familiar with the developments, Vance has started shaping his own political message following the election results.

It includes expressing different views on foreign policy and the United States’ diplomatic approach towards Israel.

A senior-level meeting was held at the White House to discuss the administration’s response to the election results and coordinate its post-midterm messaging, a source familiar with the developments told Fox News Digital.

Vance shared an analysis by a pollster on X, outlined 4 steps that could help the Republicans regain voter support.

These include ending the ongoing military conflict with Iran, focusing on domestic concerns such as inflation and the rising cost of living, after the “America First” policy and changing Washington’s diplomatic approach towards Israel.

Vance directly linked the party’s electoral defeat to the ongoing conflict, wrote on X, “The reason we lost is the war.” He added, “The president himself said so last night.”

A senior White House official told Fox News Digital that these priorities reflect Vance’s efforts to bring together a new group of conservatives who support the main principles of Trump’s original nationalist agenda but have concerns about the administration’s foreign policy decisions.

He said this does not indicate a break between Vance and Trump. Instead, it is an attempt to reach conservatives who support the administration’s broader agenda but disagree with some of its international policies, particularly its position on Israel. Some supporters have expressed their backing for Vance by saying, “Vance is our guy.”

The election results have also triggered discussions within the administration over the future of senior officials, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

According to a CBS News report cited multiple people familiar with the matter, Trump is considering whether Hegseth should continue in his position. The ongoing war with Iran has reportedly become a major factor in these discussions.

The sources said Trump has raised the issue during phone calls and discussions with close advisers. However, no final decision has been made about a possible change in the Cabinet.

Senior military officials could also face increased scrutiny over their roles in the conflict.

According to people familiar with the discussions, Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, may face questions from lawmakers and the public about their advice and involvement in the war.

The speculation about a possible change at the Pentagon has also brought Florida Governor Ron DeSantis into the discussion as a potential replacement for Hegseth.

According to a separate report, DeSantis is being considered for the position. Observers believe he could secure Senate confirmation during the lame-duck period before taking over the defence portfolio after completing his term as governor on January 5.

Trump has publicly dismissed suggestions that he plans to remove Hegseth from the Cabinet.

He said, “No, I think he’s doing a very good job.” Asked whether Hegseth would continue as Secretary of War

He was also asked whether Hegseth could move to the US Senate to fill a vacant seat in Tennessee. Trump responded, “I actually think he’d be very popular if he did that,” while added hat he “haven’t heard that at all.”

White House has also rejected suggestions that Hegseth’s position is under threat.

White House Spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the president “has full confidence in Secretary Hegseth”.

She also defended the administration’s military operations in Iran and Venezuela and praised Hegseth for his efforts to end diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives introduced by the previous administration.

Hegseth was facing calls for impeachment from opposition lawmakers even before the Republicans’ electoral setbacks.

Democrats projected to secure strong majorities in both chambers of Congress, pressure on the defence secretary could increase.

The possibility of impeachment proceedings and greater congressional scrutiny may further complicate Hegseth’s position within the administration.