Hegseth Rejects Impeachment Bid: 'A Stunt' Driven by Ego
The defense chief defended his handling of the Iran war and other military actions during a first press briefing in six months.
By Beatriz Soto ·
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected an impeachment effort against him on Tuesday, characterizing the move as a political stunt rather than a constitutional necessity. He spoke to reporters at the Pentagon, marking his first press briefing from the facility in six months. The announcement came as the administration faced pressure following recent midterm election losses.
The push for impeachment stems from a resolution filed by outgoing Representative Thomas Massie. Massie, a Kentucky Republican, submitted the document to the House on Monday. The resolution cites Hegseth's management of the war against Iran as a primary cause for the potential removal. It also references military operations in Yemen against Houthi rebels and actions in Venezuela.
Hegseth challenged the legal basis for the proceedings. He noted that in the 250 years of the American republic, no Secretary of War or Secretary of Defense has ever been impeached for carrying out lawful military operations. He described the articles of impeachment as a farce driven by ego and resentment. He called Massie disgruntled and argued the effort targets policy disagreements rather than high crimes and offenses.
The conflict with Iran has persisted for more than eight months. The U.S. military has maintained intermittent operations against Iranian targets. The administration also conducted fatal strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in Latin America. Trump has supported Hegseth, pointing to the January raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump asserted that operations have obliterated Iran's navy and air force, though Iran has continued to strike U.S. bases and disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Massie argued that Hegseth's actions amount to high crimes and misdemeanors. He stated that the defense chief's leadership warrants impeachment. The resolution places the focus on the Iran war but includes broader military decisions. A vote in the House could occur by midweek. The outcome depends on the support of House members, many of whom blamed the Iran conflict for the Republican party's recent losses.
Hegseth framed the impeachment effort as an indirect attack on the military. He stated that politicians have accused sailors and pilots of committing war crimes for performing their duties. He argued that trying the secretary is the first step toward trying the service members who executed the orders. He told reporters that if legislators want to target the warriors, they must first overcome him.
The defense chief defended his stewardship of the armed forces. He said that politically motivated individuals have policy disagreements with the success of the administration's military actions. He expressed willingness to litigate those actions if necessary. In a social media video released last week, Hegseth described the impeachment process as the politics of personal destruction. He stated that the strategy would not work with him.
Pentagon political appointees rallied behind Hegseth following the video release. Scores of staff posted images of the secretary with the words Stand. Fight. Defend the Republic. Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's top spokesman, issued a statement supporting Hegseth. Parnell said that despite threats of sham witch hunts from Democrats, Hegseth is 100% committed to leading the Department until the end of President Trump's term in office.
