Defense Secretary Hegseth Digs In as Congress Moves to Hold Him Accountable After Midterm Backlash
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a defiant video insisting he will not yield as Democrats, newly in control of Congress, move ahead with investigations into his management of the Pentagon and the Iran operation.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a video on Thursday declaring that he will keep leading the Pentagon despite renewed demands in Congress for his impeachment. The remarks followed the recent midterm elections, in which Democrats won majorities in both chambers and said they would scrutinize Hegseth’s handling of the Iran operation, the firing of senior military leaders, and other Pentagon matters.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries raised fresh doubts about Hegseth’s continued service in a social-media post, while Republican Representative Thomas Massie said he plans to reintroduce impeachment articles next week, warning that hearings and trials could come after that.
In the video, Hegseth defended the Iran campaign, calling it a "courageous and historic effort" meant to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He also pointed to his push to reshape senior Pentagon leadership and to eliminate certain diversity initiatives.
President Donald Trump, asked about possible staffing changes, praised Hegseth’s performance and tied the criticism to the secretary’s personnel decisions, including the removal of several four-star generals. Trump also cited U.S. operations in Venezuela and the continued presence in Iran.
Vice President JD Vance publicly questioned the value of the Iran operation, arguing that it may have helped drive Republican losses in the midterms. A Trump adviser suggested Hegseth could face additional scrutiny because of the campaign.
The Defense Department said Hegseth remains fully committed to leading the Pentagon through the rest of the administration’s term. He urged lawmakers to approve a funding request that would support the Iran operation and broader defense priorities.
Senator Thom Tillis warned that Hegseth’s tense relationship with legislators could complicate the administration’s effort to pass a $1.5 trillion defense spending package. Democrats are also expected to review Hegseth’s policies on Ukraine and U.S. strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in Latin America, with some members voicing concerns about possible violations of international law.