Defense Secretary Hegseth condemns impeachment effort and defends Iran operations
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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth criticized Rep. Thomas Massie's impeachment articles and defended his handling of the war in Iran and other missions.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Tuesday denounced the impeachment articles introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., describing the move as a political stunt rather than legitimate oversight. Hegseth said the effort "puts a target on the backs of American warriors" and warned it could send dangerous signals to U.S. adversaries.
"What one disgruntled and defeated congressman is attempting is not oversight, and it's not accountability. It's a political spectacle, a personal manifesto driven by ego and resentment," Hegseth said at his first Pentagon news conference in six months.
The eight articles allege that Hegseth waged war without congressional approval, authorized extrajudicial killings linked to Caribbean boat strikes, and targeted Senator Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., for his speech. Massie, a libertarian who previously lost a Republican primary after a clash with President Donald Trump, filed the resolution less than a week after the recent midterm elections.
Republican Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who is expected to become speaker of the House, indicated that Democrats are likely to support impeachment. The House is scheduled to vote on a procedural motion on Tuesday; if approved, the resolution will move to debate and a final vote by the end of the week.
President Donald Trump responded on his social platform, praising Hegseth and labeling Massie a "TOTAL LOSER" in a personal attack.
The Pentagon said the impeachment effort could undermine confidence in the military's mission and emphasized that ongoing operations, including the campaign in Iran, remain under civilian oversight.