Washington: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth hit back hard on Tuesday, November 10, at the impeachment attempt, saying it was a “political stunt” and defended US military operations, most notably the ongoing war against Iran.
Speaking to reporters at his First Pentagon Briefing Since May, Hegseth said the impeachment attempt was a “political stunt” and that Republican Rep Thomas Massie was “going on a personal crusade”.
“What one disgruntled and defeated congressman is attempting is not oversight, and it’s not accountability. It’s a political spectacle, a personal manifesto driven by ego and resentment.” It’s a personal crusade. He’s got an ego problem. He’s got a pouting problem.
Hegseth also said he believed they would fail, like the two previous impeachment attempts on former President Donald Trump.
“They will fail again.”
“I stand beside every one of these operations. I was proud to execute them, and I would do it again tomorrow.”
Hegseth also claimed the impeachment attempt was a “political stunt”, claiming it would send the wrong message to US military personnel and enemies if the military was targeted because of the military operations carried out by the US.
Why Is Pete Hegseth Being Impeached?
Republican Rep Thomas Massie from Kentucky filed eight articles of impeachment on Monday, November 9.
The impeachment resolution primarily focuses on Hegseth’s role in the US war against Iran, but also includes allegations of how US military campaigns in Yemen, Venezuela and the Caribbean were handled, as well as issues with a dispute with Democratic Senator Mark Kelly.
Massie claimed Hegseth abused his position of power, gave unlawful military orders, and broke constitutional and legal rules on how American military should be used.
He has claimed the war against Iran was started and continued without the appropriate authorisation from Congress, and that other military operations were carried out unlawfully.
The eight articles of impeachment include:
1. Iran War and War Powers Resolutions: Three articles focus on the military campaign by the Trump Administration against Iran. The resolution claims the war was not authorised by Congress, there was not a declaration of war or an imminent attack on the United States. It also claims Hegseth continued with the campaign, despite attempts by Congress to force US troops to withdraw and went beyond the time limits set by the War Powers Resolutions.
2. Failure to Protect Civilians: One article claims that Hegseth ignored legal protections that should have been in place to prevent civilian casualties. The resolution mentions an attack on a school in Minab, Iran at the start of the war, killing over 200 civilians. It also questions changes in procedures and protections made by the Pentagon to reduce civilian casualties.
3. Attacks on Suspected Drug Traffickers: One article claims that Hegseth oversaw unlawful killings during attacks on suspected drug traffickers, in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific. It includes claims of 221+ deaths and concerns around attacks on survivors of previous attacks.
4. Retaliation Against Mark Kelly: The resolution also claims that Hegseth abused his position of power against Democratic Senator Mark Kelly. This came after Kelly, alongside other military or intelligence MPs released a video reminding US troops they do not have to obey unlawful orders. The Pentagon had threatened Kelly with potential court martial or administrative action. Hegseth sent a formal letter of censure.
5. Capture of Nicolás Maduro: One article focuses on the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January 2026. The resolution claims the operation was unlawful, as it was an act of war against a sovereign country, and was not authorised by Congress or legally.
6. Military Operations in Yemen: The last article focuses on the military operations by the US in Yemen against Iranian backed Houthi rebels. The resolution questions the legality of the operation and notes there were civilian casualties.
These allegations are being used as the reason for the impeachment resolution, but have not been proven by a court or congressional trial. Hegseth has denied the impeachment and defended the military actions.
Hegseth Defends Trump’s Decision to Go to War With Iran
Hegseth has previously defended the war, claiming it was a brave decision by President Trump to go to war with Iran.
Before the Pentagon briefing on Tuesday, Hegseth said he was proud of the war, claiming it was a brave decision to strike Iran.
He mentioned Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury.
He claimed the military operations were necessary to tackle Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which Iran has claimed is peaceful.
He previously stated that those questioning Operation Epic Fury, Operation Rough Rider and the capture of Maduro were questioning the achievements of American troops.
At the briefing he repeated that he was proud of the operations.
The impeachment has also raised the War Powers Resolutions of 1973 to the forefront. This law generally requires the President to stop using US Armed Forces within 60 days of notifying Congress, unless they have authorisation or an extension. There is also an option for a 30 day extension in certain circumstances.
The resolution claims the campaign against Iran did not comply with the War Powers Resolutions. The legality of the operation is at the centre of the issue.
Trump Backs Hegseth
President Donald Trump has come out in defence of Hegseth. He said he would back Hegseth if he is impeached by the House.
Trump said that Massie was a “stone-cold loser” and praised Hegseth for his role in the military actions against Iran and Venezuela.
“What has Hegseth done? Pete Hegseth won two wars. ‘Oh, let’s impeach him,'” Trump said.
Trump has previously stated that Hegseth should be praised for the military actions and would back him if he was impeached.
However, the administration has faced criticism over the political and economical impact of the war on Iran.
Impeachment After Sweeping Republican Losses
The move to impeach Hegseth comes after sweeping losses for Republicans in the midterms in November 2026. The war against Iran and the economical impact has been heavily criticised. Many Republicans are questioning whether the war was worth the political and monetary cost.
Vice President JD Vance has spoken publicly about the political impact of the war. Some Republicans have also pointed to the election loss as being due to public frustration over the war and increasing costs.
Massie lost his primary in the Republican Party to a Trump supporter and will be leaving Congress in January. He had previously tried to impeach Hegseth in September, but the attempt failed as the House was dissolved.
The new resolution means the issue has been thrust back into the spotlight. The House must consider the privileged impeachment within two legislative days. Massie claimed the first vote will be to kill the resolution, however if this fails then the house can debate and vote on the articles.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has said he will back the impeachment. The outcome is uncertain however, especially considering the majority of Republicans in Congress.
If the articles of impeachment are approved by the House, it will be passed onto the Senate for a trial. For Hegseth to be convicted and removed from office a two thirds majority must vote in favour.
The political landscape is expected to change in January as the Democrats will take control of Congress. This could cause more scrutiny on Hegseth and how he has handled the Pentagon, war on Iran and other military actions.
Hegseth’s First Pentagon Briefing Since May
This was the first briefing since May for Hegseth. This is a big moment for him as there has been increasing pressure over the impeachment.
Hegseth took the opportunity to directly address the allegations, and defend the decision to go to war.
He said the operations were carried out for the safety of America and the attempt to remove him was a “political stunt”.
The immediate concern is how the House will handle the resolution. This could cause MPs to take a stance on the legality of the war on Iran and other US military actions. However, this puts Hegseth’s leadership of the Pentagon back in the spotlight, as there is increasing political and constitutional controversy surrounding him.