Democrats Eye a Partisan Impeachment Push Against Hegseth If They Win the House
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Should Democrats retake the House, they are preparing to unleash aggressive investigations into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and may even try to impeach him, while Republicans remain split and some see the move as pure political theater.
Congressional Democrats say they will turn Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth into a major oversight target if they win the House in next week’s midterm elections, with impeachment among the options. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican, has said he will push for an impeachment vote after the election if Hegseth remains in office, arguing that retiring GOP members may feel freer to vote against him.
Speaker Mike Johnson has so far blocked an impeachment vote, calling the effort a “stunt” and praising Hegseth’s performance. Even so, a source familiar with Republican thinking said some GOP members are growing frustrated with the secretary and the Pentagon’s handling of the war in Iran.
Democratic aides say Hegseth is “the lowest-hanging fruit” for investigations, and they expect hearings on the decision to go to war, the conduct of the conflict, and the lack of a full cost accounting. House and Senate Armed Services Committee members plan wide-ranging probes of the Iran war if they regain the chamber.
President Donald Trump defended Hegseth, calling the impeachment talk “terrible” and saying the secretary is “doing a great job.” Pentagon spokespersons also issued statements backing Hegseth’s leadership and the department’s focus on “peace through strength.”
Other Trump cabinet officials, including Attorney General Todd Blanche and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., could also face oversight if Democrats take the House. Some Democrats, such as Rep. Pramila Jayapal, argue that investigating Hegseth is necessary regardless of whether the Senate would convict.
Republican Rep. Don Bacon said he was uncertain about voting for impeachment but emphasized the need for oversight, noting that voter perception of congressional checks and balances could affect upcoming elections.
The outcome of the midterms will shape whether impeachment proceedings move forward and how the Senate, led by Majority Leader John Thune, might respond.