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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has declared his firm support for impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, confirmed his position during an interview on ABC’s “This Week,” saying he is a “hard yes” on the impeachment resolution. A vote is expected later this week.
Jeffries Condemns Hegseth’s Record
Jeffries did not hold back in his criticism of Hegseth. “The so-called secretary of defense has abused his power, undermined our national security and engineered this reckless and costly war of choice in Iran,” Jeffries said. He added that the conflict has “skyrocketed prices on the American people and made the country less safe.”
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Jeffries also made his position clear in direct terms. “Pete Hegseth has got to go,” he said. His endorsement carries significant weight. It signals how other House Democrats may ultimately vote on the measure.
Impeachment Push Gains Momentum
Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky is leading the impeachment effort. Massie has been a vocal critic of Hegseth and the war in Iran. He previously filed an impeachment resolution in September, but Republican leaders canceled the planned vote. The House then left early, pushing the matter past the midterm elections.
The impeachment push also reflects broader public dissatisfaction. Voters gave low marks to the administration’s handling of the Iran war, and that sentiment factored into the midterm results. When asked whether all House Democrats would back the resolution, Jeffries said they would “have that conversation Tuesday morning.”
Meanwhile, Representative Yassamin Ansari, a Democrat from Arizona, introduced her own impeachment resolution in April. After Jeffries spoke on Sunday, Ansari shared his comments and said Hegseth “must be held accountable.” She also called for a floor vote this week.
Hegseth and Trump Push Back
Hegseth has responded forcefully to the impeachment effort. In a social media video last week, he called Massie a “disgruntled, defeated congressman.” He also dismissed the effort as political. “It’s all about the politics of personal destruction,” Hegseth said. “Didn’t work against President Trump, and it won’t work with me.”
Massie, however, framed his resolution as relatively restrained. He wrote on social media that his “Hegseth impeachment resolution is a much gentler version of what’s coming when Dems control Congress.” He warned that Democrats would “have hearings and trials.”
Questions about Hegseth’s future have also emerged from within the administration. NBC News reported last week that President Donald Trump told allies he was considering replacing Hegseth. Trump publicly denied those reports, however, telling reporters last week that Hegseth was “doing a very good job.” The House returns to session this week, and the impeachment resolution is expected to be filed and brought to a vote shortly after.
