Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed Thursday to fight efforts to impeach him, calling them a “sham,” as Democrats who won control of Congress in the Nov. 3 midterms promise tougher oversight of the Pentagon. Hegseth made the remarks in a video of more than four minutes, according to Reuters, as published by The Korea Times.
Key Highlights
- The impeachment effort is led by Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, who plans to bring articles of impeachment when Congress returns, according to Reuters and Yahoo News.
- House Democrats also filed six articles against Hegseth in April, Axios reported. Those articles have not passed.
- Democrats have promised investigations of the Pentagon after the new Congress is seated in January.
- President Trump has said he intends to keep Hegseth, according to ABC News and Yahoo News.
What Hegseth Said
Hegseth said the effort was “all about the politics of personal destruction” and noted that Trump was impeached twice, according to Reuters. “We will not back down,” he said. He described the Iran war as “courageous and historic.”
He called Massie a “disgruntled, defeated congressman,” according to Yahoo News. Fox News reported that Massie lost his Republican primary in May.
Where the Impeachment Effort Stands
Fox News reported that Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment in September. They accuse Hegseth of violating congressional war powers during the Iran conflict and abusing his authority in other military operations. The House has not voted on them. These are allegations, and Hegseth denies wrongdoing.
Massie said he would bring articles when Congress returns, which Yahoo News reported as Nov. 9. He said impeachment would be “much gentler” than what awaits Hegseth once Democrats take control, Reuters reported.
In April, Rep. Yassamin Ansari, an Arizona Democrat, introduced six articles with eight co-sponsors, Axios reported. They included allegations about the Iran war, the handling of sensitive information and obstruction of congressional oversight. Axios said the resolution had “virtually no chance of passing this Congress.” Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson called it “just another Democrat trying to make headlines.”
What Democrats Plan
Reuters reported that Democrats have promised investigations of Hegseth’s leadership. Congressional aides said those would include the firing of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, expected to lead the House Armed Services Committee, promised oversight of the Iran war and what he called the erosion of the military’s apolitical foundation.
Reuters added that Hegseth could face scrutiny over Ukraine policy and strikes on suspected drug boats, which some Democrats say could amount to war crimes. The reports reviewed did not say whether any specific hearings have been scheduled.
Republican Pressure and Trump’s Position
Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, told CBS News on Nov. 4 that Hegseth “has a reckoning,” Yahoo News reported. Tillis said lawmakers must decide whether Hegseth is the best person to make the Pentagon’s funding case. Smith said enough Republicans want Hegseth gone, according to Yahoo News.
Trump said Hegseth has “done a fantastic job” but sidestepped a question about whether he might fire him, Reuters reported. The Pentagon says Hegseth is “100 percent committed” to leading the department through the end of Trump’s term.
Reuters also cited sources who said Trump could still replace Hegseth, and one adviser who said he “could be on the chopping block” over the Iran war. Those claims are unconfirmed.
The Funding Fight
The administration is seeking a $1.5 trillion defense package, Reuters reported. Fox News reported that Hegseth urged Congress to pass a reconciliation bill of at least $350 billion. Reuters said Tillis argued that Hegseth’s strained relationship with lawmakers was undermining the effort.
What to Watch Next
Watch for whether Massie’s articles reach a House vote when Congress returns, and whether Republicans join Democrats. The larger test comes in January, when Democratic committee chairs can issue subpoenas. For wider context, see our midterm elections coverage.
Watch: Hegseth Responds to Impeachment Threats
Video: “‘We Will NOT Back Down’: Hegseth Defends Trump, Iran War Amid Impeachment Threats” (YouTube).
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