Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Defies Impeachment Attack, Says He Stands by U.S. Operations in Iran Conflict
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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth blasted a congressional impeachment resolution as a reckless political ambush, saying it insults America’s troops and undermines lawful military action.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth responded to a resolution introduced by outgoing Republican Representative Thomas Massie that seeks his impeachment over the conduct of U.S. military operations in Iran, Yemen and Venezuela. In his first media briefing since May, Hegseth made clear that the effort is not about law or duty, but about partisan vengeance, and said no Secretary of War or Secretary of Defense has ever been impeached for carrying out lawful military actions in the nation’s 250-year history.
"In the 250 years of our American republic, no Secretary of War or Secretary of Defense has ever been impeached for carrying out lawful military operations," Hegseth said.
He described the impeachment effort as a political stunt fueled by personal grievances, warning that it falsely casts U.S. troops as criminals and threatens to demoralize the people who serve the country. Hegseth also defended the ongoing war with Iran, saying history will ultimately judge the conflict more fairly and emphasizing that the United States did not initiate it.
"We didn't start this war. Iran did 47 years ago," he said.
The resolution, filed by Massie after losing a primary race backed by President Donald Trump, accuses Hegseth of “high crimes and misdemeanors” related to operations in Iran, Yemen and Venezuela, though the Constitution does not define the term. Hegseth said he stands behind every operation and would repeat them if asked.
"I was proud to execute them, and I would do it again tomorrow," he said.
He warned that the impeachment move could discourage service members, calling them heroes whose service should not be treated as criminal.