Hegseth Defends Impeachment Bid as Sabotage Amid Congressional Push
The US Defense Secretary rejected calls for his removal, arguing that the effort targets policy successes rather than constitutional offenses.
By Larissa Bell ·
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth firmly resisted potential impeachment efforts on Tuesday, asserting that a rogue lawmaker is targeting him over policy disagreements rather than the high crimes envisioned by the nation's founders. The Pentagon chief held his first press briefing from the Pentagon in six months, launching a counteroffensive against the resolution filed by outgoing Representative Thomas Massie.
Hegseth emphasized the historical precedent, noting that in 250 years of the American republic, no secretary of war or defense has ever been impeached for carrying out lawful military operations. The timing of the briefing coincided with ongoing intermittent US military operations against Iran and fatal strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in Latin America.
The impeachment resolution was filed in the House on Monday by Massie, a Kentucky Republican who recently lost his primary to a candidate backed by President Donald Trump. The move sets the stage for a significant vote on whether to remove a prominent administration figure, a development occurring after Republicans suffered sweeping losses in last week's midterm elections. Many observers attributed those losses at least partly to the unpopular Iran conflict and its economic fallout.
While the resolution primarily focuses on the war in Iran, it also references Hegseth's role in military actions against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and in Venezuela. Massie characterized Hegseth's actions as high crimes and misdemeanors, arguing that his leadership at the Pentagon warrants removal from office.
The Constitution does not explicitly define high crimes and misdemeanors, leaving the determination of impeachable acts to lawmakers. A House vote could occur by midweek, creating pressure for Republicans who have blamed the Iran war for their recent electoral setbacks. However, the path forward remains highly uncertain.
During his news conference, Hegseth framed the impeachment effort as an attack on the nation's service members and their successes, claiming it undermines American forces in real time. He described the move as sabotage rather than patriotism, stating that it signals to enemies like Iran and cartels that the United States punishes its own leaders for executing lawful operations.
President Trump has publicly backed Hegseth, citing the January raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and operations that he claims obliterated Iran's navy and air force. Despite these claims, Iran has continued to strike US military bases in the Middle East and disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to a conflict that has lasted more than eight months and driven up global oil prices.
Hegseth has consistently defended his stewardship of the military, telling reporters on Monday that politically motivated critics are actually disagreeing with success. He expressed willingness to litigate the military actions taken by the Trump administration. Additionally, he released a social media video last week arguing that impeachment is a political tool of personal destruction that will not work against him.
In support of the Secretary, scores of Pentagon political appointees shared images of Hegseth with the caption Stand. Fight. Defend the Republic. Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's top spokesman, issued a statement reaffirming Hegseth's commitment to leading the Department through the end of President Trump's term, despite threats of sham witch hunts from Democrats.
