Defense Secretary Hegseth Calls Impeachment Move a Political Spectacle

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth opened a Pentagon news briefing by condemning Rep. Thomas Massie's articles of impeachment as “a political spectacle, a personal manifesto driven by ego and resentment.” He said the effort was not oversight or accountability, but an attempt by “one disgruntled and defeated congressman” to damage the president, the country, and the troops.

“What one disgruntled and defeated congressman is attempting is not oversight, and it’s not accountability,” Hegseth said.

Hegseth argued that the impeachment articles, which focus on the ongoing Iran war and related operations, constitute “policy disagreements” that should be resolved through legislation and debate, not removal from office. He defended the military actions, stating they were lawful operations ordered by the commander-in-chief and carried out by “American warriors who did their jobs.”

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Hegseth “gets an ‘A’ PLUS, PLUS, PLUS” for his defense and labeled Massie a “TOTAL LOSER.”

“Pete Hegseth gets an ‘A’ PLUS, PLUS, PLUS for his defense against a disgruntled, angry, defeated, former Congressman, Thomas Massie, a TOTAL LOSER!” the president wrote.

The House is set to vote on a procedural motion to refer Massie’s resolution to committee or table it. If the articles advance, they would move to the Senate, where a two-thirds vote is required for removal. Hegseth also reiterated that the Iran conflict was “a necessary undertaking,” echoing remarks from senior officials.

The briefing included criticism of media coverage, with Hegseth accusing reporters of hating the president more than loving the country or its troops. No further details on the impeachment vote were provided.