Politics

Pentagon priorities in peril after Democratic election sweep

A Democratic election sweep threatens Pentagon priorities, ending the reconciliation path for major defense projects like the Golden Dome shield.

By Naomi Okonkwo Nov 4, 2026 · 2 min read

Pentagon priorities in peril after Democratic election sweep

Why it matters

To fund large-scale projects like the „Golden Dome” shield, Republicans relied on a reconciliation mechanism requiring only a simple majority. That option is now a distant short-term prospect and will become impossible within months. Public anger over the Iran war, which has already lasted half a year, is set to fuel a long list of congressional inquiries. Beyond that, lawmakers from both parties, including Rep. Pat Ryan (Democrat, New York) and Rep. Thomas Massie (Republican, Kentucky), have proposed a procedure to remove Hegseth from office.

Budget outlook

Defense budget analysts at the American Enterprise Institute, including Todd Harrison, see a gloomy outlook for the administration’s $1.5 trillion budget. A note issued Wednesday by TD Cowen’s Washington Research Group warned that „Trump-branded projects are dead.” It added that „Golden Dome, Golden Fleet and other signature efforts will be cut.” Harrison said it is unlikely the „lame-duck” congressional session will approve reconciliation; instead, it will likely keep the defense budget under a continuing resolution into next year. „Everything is at risk,” he said, referring to reconciliation-funded programs. „My base case is that nothing happens to the defense budget.”

Political fallout

On other fronts, the Pentagon did not respond to a comment request. Between the lines, several of the strongest Republican lawmakers on defense issues were defeated or are on track to lose. Senator Susan Collins, chair of the appropriations committee, lost to Troy Jackson in Maine. Senator Darline Graham, also on the appropriations committee, lost to Annie Andrews in South Carolina. Representative Jen Kiggans, on the armed services and veterans affairs committees, lost to Elaine Luria in Virginia. And as of Wednesday afternoon, Reps. Rob Wittman (Virginia), Mike Turner (Ohio), Scott DesJarlais (Tennessee), and Jeff Crank (Colorado) were trailing their Democratic opponents.

What they say

Hegseth himself may be on a hot seat. „Secretary Hegseth’s chaotic and ineffective leadership has made America weaker and less secure, and now he will be forced to answer for it,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (Democrat, New York), a member of the appropriations, armed services, and intelligence committees. „We will ensure that Hegseth and the entire Trump administration are held fully accountable,” she added.

However

President Trump told reporters he is not considering replacing Hegseth. „No, I think he is doing a very good job,” he said.

Bottom line

„People expect investigations, oversight, and all the rest, and of course that will have an impact,” said VJ Sahi, an associate at strategic consulting firm Clark Street Associates, for Axios. But „the degree of impact,” he added, remains „to be seen.”