By Basant El-Faramawy
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday dismissed a renewed effort in the House to bring articles of impeachment against him as early as next week, calling the move a political attack that will fail.
Impeachment threat renewed
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., said Wednesday he plans to reintroduce impeachment articles when the House returns to session on Monday. Massie, who lost his Republican primary after crossing former President Donald Trump, urged Trump to replace Hegseth while Republicans still hold a Senate majority.
Hegseth responds
In a video posted on social media, Hegseth described the effort as “the politics of personal destruction” led by a “disgruntled, defeated congressman” and his Democratic allies. He compared it to the two impeachment attempts against Trump, saying, “Didn’t work against President Trump, and it won’t work with me.”
Iran war and midterm fallout
The impeachment push is driven largely by criticism of Hegseth’s handling of the Iran war, which also contributed to Republican losses in this week’s midterm elections. Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have signaled a desire to oust Hegseth following their electoral gains.
Trump’s position
Trump said Wednesday he is not planning to replace Hegseth, praising him for doing a “fantastic job.” However, sources told NBC News that Trump has privately asked allies about potential successors. In September, House Speaker Mike Johnson blocked a vote on Massie’s impeachment resolution by sending the House home early.
Historical context
The House has impeached only two Cabinet officials in history: Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in a partisan vote, and Secretary of War William Belknap in the 1870s. No Cabinet member has ever been convicted by the Senate.
