House Leader Backs Hegseth Impeachment
Hakeem Jeffries supports a resolution that could be introduced this week, citing war costs and security concerns.
By Riya Zhao ·
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called himself a “hard yes” on a measure to remove Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. He said the resolution may be introduced as soon as this week, marking a rapid move by the new majority to target the Pentagon chief.
Jeffries spoke on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. He argued that Hegseth abused his power and engineered a reckless war in Iran. The New York Democrat claimed the conflict skyrocketed prices for Americans and made the country less safe.
House Democrats will discuss the potential resolution on Tuesday. That is the first time the chamber has convened since winning both houses of Congress in the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The push to oust Hegseth has gained support from both parties since the vote.
Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie said he will “definitely” reintroduce articles of impeachment when the House returns. Massie, who lost his primary to a Trump-backed challenger, previously tried to impeach Hegseth for waging the Iran war without congressional approval.
President Donald Trump stated he has no plans to replace Hegseth. He said the secretary has done a “good job.” However, Massie suggested on Thursday that Trump should fire Hegseth quickly. He argued this would allow the Republican-controlled Senate to confirm a successor before Democrats take control in January.
Jeffries believes there will be “incredibly strong support for that resolution.” He concluded his remarks with the statement: “Pete Hegseth has got to go.”
