Pentagon chief Hegseth vows to fight impeachment as outrage mounts over Iran strike
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Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth said he will fight an impeachment push and defended the attack on Iran, while President Donald Trump backed him despite growing criticism from lawmakers.
Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Nov. 5 that he will contest a pending impeachment effort and again defended the recent strike against Iran. He said the next months are "critical for our department and our republic" and described the operation as a "courageous and historic effort" aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
President Donald Trump acknowledged receiving criticism of Hegseth but said he intends to keep the secretary in his post, brushing aside the backlash with a show of support. > "I get these calls, you know, about him. I don't understand why," Trump told ABC News.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie said he will introduce articles of impeachment when Congress reconvenes on Nov. 9, and Democratic Rep. Adam Smith, ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, said enough Republicans are expected to join Democrats on the vote as anger over Hegseth continues to build.
Hegseth dismissed the impeachment push, calling Massie a "disgruntled, defeated congressman" and characterizing the articles as "sham". He added that the effort would not succeed against him.
The secretary also urged lawmakers to approve a reconciliation bill of at least $350 billion and highlighted the Pentagon’s request for $1.5 trillion in defense funding. Senator Thom Tillis said Hegseth faces a "reckoning" and questioned whether he is the best person to advocate for defense needs after the recent election.