Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the renewed effort to impeach him as a political spectacle on Tuesday during a press conference at the Pentagon. He described the move as a farce and a stunt that is widely understood as such by the public and political observers.
The criticism stems from articles of impeachment reintroduced on Monday by Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky. Massie, who is retiring from Congress at the end of the year, has been a long-time critic of President Donald Trump. The charges relate to the war with Iran and other military actions ordered by the president.
Hegseth compared this latest congressional action to the two previous attempts to impeach Trump during his first term. Those efforts focused on a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the attack on the U.S. Capitol in January 2021. Hegseth noted that both previous attempts failed and that the American people subsequently sent Trump back to the White House. He expressed confidence that the current effort would also fail, stating that he would gladly join the company of those who stood with the president.
President Trump quickly weighed in on the situation via social media shortly after Hegseth’s remarks. The president praised the defense secretary, giving him a high grade for his defense against what he called a disgruntled and defeated former congressman. Trump referred to Massie as a total loser in his post.
While Hegseth presented an optimistic view of the United States' standing, the conflict with Iran has extended into its ninth month. Trump had initially described the operation as a minor incursion expected to last only four to six weeks. However, U.S. munitions are now depleted, and the Republican Party suffered significant losses in the midterm elections, partly attributed to high gas prices and inflation.
Recent developments include the United States moving military aircraft from an airbase in the United Kingdom amid threats from Iran. A U.S. official confirmed to NBC News that several aircraft left RAF Mildenhall as the security posture at the location increased.
Hegseth defended his record by listing accomplishments such as operations in Latin America targeting alleged drug boats and a secret military effort to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro and his wife face charges in the U.S. that he has denied.
Members of both parties in Congress have expressed frustration regarding the level of detail Hegseth has provided about the rising costs of the Iran conflict. Reports indicate the cost could be as high as $100 billion, and the Pentagon is still seeking an approved budget for the operation.
Massie brought eight specific charges against the defense secretary, accusing him of waging war without a declaration of war, statutory authorization, an attack on the United States, or an imminent threat. Because the measure was filed as privileged under House rules, House GOP leaders are forced to bring the articles up for a floor vote within two legislative days.
A simple majority vote is required in the House to approve the articles. If successful, the resolution moves to the Senate for a decision on conviction and removal. Republicans may also move to kill the resolution, which would also require a majority vote. Hegseth concluded his remarks by stating that the impeachment push is sabotage rather than patriotism.
