Defense Secretary Hegseth calls impeachment effort a political spectacle ahead of House vote

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday labeled Rep. Thomas Massie's impeachment resolution as a "farce" and a "political spectacle" ahead of an expected House vote later in the day. He said the effort was driven by personal animus toward President Trump and described it as a stunt rather than legitimate oversight.

Massie, a Kentucky Republican, said the House is expected to consider the resolution Tuesday evening, though a procedural vote to table the measure may occur first. The articles of impeachment accuse Hegseth of abusing his office by launching military operations against Iran without congressional approval and of other policy disagreements.

House Speaker Mike Johnson told CBS News that impeaching a cabinet secretary during ongoing hostilities would be "a terrible, terrible look" and expressed confidence that the House would defeat the resolution. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said he would vote in favor, describing Hegseth as having "abused his power".

President Trump praised Hegseth on Truth Social, calling the defense secretary's response "A PLUS, PLUS, PLUS" and defending him against the impeachment effort.

Other Republicans have not ruled out a vote. Rep. French Hill said he wants to hear the debate before deciding, and Rep. Don Bacon said he is "wrestling" with the issue, questioning whether impeachment is appropriate.

Hegseth said his department has taken actions such as launching operations against Iran and asserted that the impeachment articles are "flimsy" and stem from partisan policy disagreements rather than high crimes or misdemeanors.