From NBC News · Raquel Coronell Uribe · · 2m
Hegseth defies impeachment push after midterm losses
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismisses renewed impeachment efforts as a Republican congressman and Democrats seek his removal following election losses.
In brief
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismisses renewed impeachment efforts as a Republican congressman and Democrats seek his removal following election losses. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed impeachment articles as political attacks on Thursday, as Rep. Thomas Massie and Democrats move to remove him after midterm…
Hegseth dismisses impeachment threat
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday dismissed renewed House efforts to bring articles of impeachment against him as early as next week in a social media video.
Hegseth calls it political destruction
Hegseth said the impeachment effort was all about the politics of personal destruction, comparing it to failed attempts against President Trump. It won't work with me, he said.
“It's all about the politics of personal destruction. Didn't work against President Trump, and it won't work with me.”
Massie leads the impeachment push
Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who lost his primary after crossing Trump, said Wednesday he plans to reintroduce articles of impeachment when the House returns Monday.
Massie urges Trump to replace Hegseth
Massie urged Trump on Thursday to replace Hegseth while Republicans still control the Senate, saying his impeachment resolution is gentler than what Democrats will pursue if they gain power.
“My Hegseth impeachment resolution is a much gentler version of what's coming when Dem's control Congress.”
Iran war drives the impeachment effort
In his video, Hegseth only briefly touched on the Iran war, which is a driving force behind the effort to impeach him and contributed to GOP losses in this week's midterm elections.
Democrats also seek Hegseth's removal
Numerous Democrats have indicated a desire to oust Hegseth since their midterm election wins, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who is poised to be the next speaker.
Trump signals support but considers options
Trump said Wednesday he is not planning to replace Hegseth and Thursday that Hegseth has done a fantastic job. Yet Trump has told allies he is considering replacing him and asking who should succeed him.
“has done a fantastic job”
Impeachment faces Republican hurdle
Massie would need several Republicans to join all Democrats to pass impeachment. Only two Cabinet officials have been impeached in history, and none have ever been convicted by the Senate.
What it means
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed impeachment articles as political attacks on Thursday, as Rep. Thomas Massie and Democrats move to remove him after midterm election gains.
