Former Green Beret Mike Nelson has sounded a cautionary note regarding the future of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, suggesting that the embattled official could become a scapegoat for President Trump’s administration in the wake of the unpopular war with Iran.

On a recent episode of The Opinions podcast with New York Times columnist David French, Nelson linked Hegseth’s precarious position to that of Donald Rumsfeld, who resigned as defense secretary following significant Republican losses in the 2006 midterms. Nelson stated that considerable turmoil could follow the upcoming elections.

“If the president is unaware of how unpopular the Iran war is, after the midterms he may look to find someone to take the fall,” Nelson warned, indicating that Hegseth might not be long for his current role if that blame game unfolds.

He emphasized the unpopularity of the current conflict, stating, “There’s never been a less popular war since World War II, according to modern polling.” This stark assessment highlights the growing discontent among Americans concerning military involvement abroad.

Nelson also expressed concern that Trump may not be receiving an accurate portrayal of the situation from Hegseth, believing that the secretary’s optimistic messaging could be misleading. “If Secretary Hegseth is presenting all rosy information to the American people, he may be doing that to the president as well,” he added.

The retired Special Forces officer painted Hegseth as a figure primarily focused on his own public image rather than the Department of Defense. “He has a primary motivation of controlling the narrative of what he was doing,” Nelson remarked, describing Hegseth as more of a “showman” than a strategic leader.

In addition to predicting Hegseth’s potential fallout, Nelson pointed to potential repercussions following Rep. Thomas Massie’s upcoming impeachment motion against Trump. While he doesn’t expect the president to be ousted, he believes the motion could lead to a surprising number of votes against him.

“This will probably cause embarrassment for all involved,” Nelson said, indicating that intra-party conflict could intensify in the wake of midterm elections.

Another critical element of Nelson’s analysis pertains to the growing pressure from lame-duck Republicans after November. These GOP members, who may no longer fear political retribution, have already shown a willingness to restrict military actions.

Nelson stressed the importance of Trump explaining his strategy regarding Iran more thoroughly, noting that past messaging lacks substance. “He defaults to very short bumper-sticker answers,” he criticized, underscoring the need for a comprehensive rationale behind the ongoing military efforts.

As the political landscape shifts, the pressure on Hegseth could mount, especially if Republicans prioritize their self-preservation over party loyalty or support for the administration.

Bearing in mind the situation in Iran, Nelson argued that a compelling narrative is necessary to rally public support and justify military expenditures.

By suggesting that the administration’s internal dynamics could soon lead to significant changes, Nelson highlights a critical moment for the Trump administration as it grapples with both military and political challenges.

With the possibility of political scapegoats emerging as the midterms approach, the stakes are high for all key players involved. A shakeup within the administration could reverberate through the Republican party and beyond.

As Nelson noted, the trajectory of the current military conflict in Iran remains uncertain, and public sentiment is likely to weigh heavily on future policies, especially among lawmakers looking to distance themselves from controversy.

In the end, as election outcomes loom, the military strategy and the administration’s accountability may redefine the political narratives heading into the future.

With mounting pressures and potential blame games on the horizon, it appears that the next few months could be pivotal for Secretary Hegseth and the Trump administration overall.

As America watches and waits for the political landscape to shift, the implications of the war in Iran and how it is managed could affect not just individual careers but also the broader Republican narrative heading into election season.