Hegseth dismisses impeachment bid as political farce

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth rejected an impeachment resolution filed by a fellow Republican on Tuesday, labeling the effort a farce driven by a disgruntled lawmaker who is leaving office. The move places the Department of War at the center of a partisan conflict just weeks before control of both chambers of Congress shifts to the Democrats.

Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie introduced a privileged motion on Monday to bring eight articles of impeachment to the House floor. Massie, who will not serve in the January session, filed the measure over the objections of House leadership. The articles cite the war in Iran, military strikes in Yemen and Venezuela, and attempts to prosecute two military veterans who served in Congress.

Hegseth held his first Pentagon press briefing since May to address the challenge. He argued that the articles represent policy disagreements rather than high crimes and misdemeanors. The proper remedy for such disputes, he said, is legislation, debate, or the next presidential election. He described any Senate trial as a show trial against the president and his secretary.

President Donald Trump supported Hegseth’s position on social media, calling Massie a stone-cold loser. Trump said he would stand by Hegseth even if the House impeached him. The White House response underscores the administration’s stance that the resolution is a political attack rather than a legal necessity.

Under House rules, a vote must occur within two legislative days unless a majority supports killing the motion. A vote could come by midweek. If the House approves the articles, the resolution will carry over to the new session beginning January 3. A two-thirds majority in the Senate is required for conviction.

Massie defended the resolution by stating the goal is not to indict Hegseth for poor performance but for specific actions. He noted that Hegseth was effective at killing school children in Iran and conducting extrajudicial killings. Human rights organizations and international bodies have suggested these strikes may constitute crimes against humanity, a claim Hegseth disputed by saying thousands of American lives were saved.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson called a vote on impeachment a terrible thing for allies and enemies to see. Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, who is expected to become the next Speaker, said on the weekend that he is a hard yes for impeaching Hegseth. The vote will test the unity of the Republican majority, many of whom blamed the Iran war for their recent election losses.

Hegseth’s confirmation in early 2025 was narrow. Vice President JD Vance broke a tie to secure his approval. Senators Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell, and Lisa Murkowski voted against him, as did all Democrats. Senator Thom Tillis, who voted for confirmation, has expressed regret over the decision. He said Hegseth is intimidated by competence and retreats to culture wars instead of attending to national defense.

Hegseth’s tenure has included unconventional actions. He criticized his predecessor Lloyd Austin and disparaged recruitment efforts from the previous administration. He also told troops to stay the course while invoking his Christianity, despite lawsuits alleging he imposed his religion on federal workers. Hegseth predicted the current impeachment effort will fail again, referencing the acquittals of President Trump in 2019 and 2021.