"Is It a Last Stand?" Trump Speaks Out... The Intention Behind "Discussing with Aides"

[Anchor]

The "blue tsunami" that struck our stock market is driving President Trump into a corner. The friction within the Trump administration, plunged into shock by the crushing defeat, is growing louder. Let us now go to Washington.

Correspondent Lee Hanseok, is President Trump already warning against impeachment?

[Reporter]

While the U.S. media is describing it as a "historic judgment," President Trump showed no sign of being intimidated today (Nov. 5).

First, let us listen to President Trump's remarks.

[Donald Trump / U.S. President: If the Democrats try to impeach me, it will spell ruin for them. That is, if they push for impeachment simply because I have led the country successfully.]

President Trump did acknowledge that the war with Iran raised oil prices and negatively affected the election.

However, he made it clear that he had no intention of backing down, stating that he would do the exact same thing again to stop nuclear weapons.

It appears he has made a last stand, judging that giving ground here would plunge him into a premature lame-duck status.

[Anchor]

The Democrats seem poised to push for the impeachment of Defense Secretary Hegseth first, holding him accountable for the Iran war. What is President Trump's position?

[Reporter]

For now, President Trump's stance is that he will not dismiss Defense Secretary Hegseth.

Firing the defense secretary right now would be tantamount to admitting the failure of the Iran war, but his inner thoughts are highly complicated.

U.S. media reports indicate that Trump has begun reviewing a replacement for the defense secretary with his aides, and that Florida Governor DeSantis is being discussed as a successor.

With the new Congress launching next January, it remains uncertain whether the Democrats, who hold the Senate, would approve the confirmation of a successor. Consequently, Trump has no choice but to grapple with deep concerns over whether to acknowledge responsibility for the war and replace the defense secretary now, or to confront the Democrats' push for Hegseth's impeachment.

[Anchor]

Moreover, even his closest confidant, Vice President Vance, has publicly drawn a line against Trump, hasn't he?

[Reporter]

Through social media, Vice President Vance directly targeted Trump's line by stating that supporters have turned away in anger over the war and soaring prices, and that the war must be ended immediately to focus on people's livelihoods.

This is effectively a political declaration of independence by the number two figure with an eye on the next presidency. Amidst all-out pressure from the Democrats controlling both the House and the Senate, even the vice president has moved to distance himself, leaving President Trump cornered from both inside and out.

(On-site reporting: Park Eun-ha, Video Editing: Cho Mu-hwan)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.