Donald Rumsfeld has over-come many obstacles during his tenure as defence secretary but the former wrestler could now face a formidable foe: a growing chorus of Republican politicians seeking his replacement.

Mr Rumsfeld drew the wrath of several Republicans last week when he appeared to dismiss the concerns of a soldier who asked why the Pentagon had not provided enough armour for military vehicles. “You go to war with the army you have . . . not the army you might want or wish to have,” Mr Rumsfeld responded to the soldier during a town-hall meeting in Kuwait.