Democrats May Target Defense Secretary Hegseth for Impeachment if They Win House
If Democrats regain control of the House, they plan to intensify investigations of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and could pursue impeachment, while Republicans signal mixed reactions.
Congressional Democrats say they will focus oversight on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth if they win the House in next week’s midterm elections, including a possible impeachment effort. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican, has said he will push for an impeachment vote after the election if Hegseth remains in office, arguing that retiring members of the GOP may feel freer to vote against him.
Speaker Mike Johnson has so far blocked an impeachment vote, calling the effort a “stunt” and praising Hegseth’s performance. Nonetheless, a source familiar with Republican thinking indicated that some GOP members are growing frustrated with the secretary and the Pentagon’s handling of the war in Iran.
Democratic aides say Hegseth is “the lowest-hanging fruit” for investigations, expecting hearings on the decision to go to war, the conduct of the conflict, and the lack of a full cost accounting. House and Senate Armed Services Committee members plan wide-reaching probes of the Iran war if they regain the chamber.
President Donald Trump defended Hegseth, describing the impeachment talk as “terrible” and saying the secretary is “doing a great job.” Pentagon spokespersons also issued statements praising Hegseth’s leadership and the department’s focus on “peace through strength.”
Other Trump cabinet officials, including Attorney General Todd Blanche and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., could also face oversight if Democrats take the House. Some Democrats, such as Rep. Pramila Jayapal, argue that investigating Hegseth is necessary regardless of whether the Senate would convict.
Republican Rep. Don Bacon expressed uncertainty about voting for impeachment but emphasized the need for oversight, noting that voter perception of congressional checks and balances could affect upcoming elections.
The outcome of the midterms will shape whether impeachment proceedings move forward and how the Senate, led by Majority Leader John Thune, might respond.