Jeffries Backs Effort To Impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
3 hours ago
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is throwing his support behind an effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as lawmakers prepare for a potential vote this week.
Speaking on ABC News' "This Week" Sunday, the New York Democrat said he strongly supports a resolution introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
"I'm a hard yes on the Hegseth resolution," Jeffries said.
Jeffries accused Hegseth of abusing his authority, undermining national security and playing a central role in the ongoing war with Iran. He also blamed the conflict for rising prices and increased economic pressure on American families.
"Pete Hegseth has got to go," Jeffries said.
Massie, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, has said he intends to reintroduce his impeachment resolution as early as Monday.
The measure includes eight articles of impeachment, including allegations that Hegseth violated the War Powers Resolution of 1973 by conducting military operations without proper congressional authorization.
Jeffries said House Democrats plan to discuss the resolution Tuesday morning when lawmakers return to Washington following last week's midterm elections.
While he stopped short of guaranteeing unanimous Democratic support, Jeffries said he expects substantial backing from members of his party.
Hegseth has rejected the impeachment effort, describing it as politically motivated. In a video posted to social media last week, he accused Massie and Democrats of pursuing personal attacks against him.
President Trump has also defended Hegseth, telling reporters that the defense secretary has done a good job and that he has no plans to replace him.
The impeachment push comes after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections, setting the stage for increased scrutiny of the Trump administration.
If the House approves articles of impeachment, the Senate would be responsible for holding a trial. A two-thirds majority would be required to convict and remove Hegseth from office.
For now, Hegseth remains in his position as the impeachment effort moves forward.
Speaking on ABC News' "This Week" Sunday, the New York Democrat said he strongly supports a resolution introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
"I'm a hard yes on the Hegseth resolution," Jeffries said.
Jeffries accused Hegseth of abusing his authority, undermining national security and playing a central role in the ongoing war with Iran. He also blamed the conflict for rising prices and increased economic pressure on American families.
"Pete Hegseth has got to go," Jeffries said.
Massie, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, has said he intends to reintroduce his impeachment resolution as early as Monday.
The measure includes eight articles of impeachment, including allegations that Hegseth violated the War Powers Resolution of 1973 by conducting military operations without proper congressional authorization.
Jeffries said House Democrats plan to discuss the resolution Tuesday morning when lawmakers return to Washington following last week's midterm elections.
While he stopped short of guaranteeing unanimous Democratic support, Jeffries said he expects substantial backing from members of his party.
Hegseth has rejected the impeachment effort, describing it as politically motivated. In a video posted to social media last week, he accused Massie and Democrats of pursuing personal attacks against him.
President Trump has also defended Hegseth, telling reporters that the defense secretary has done a good job and that he has no plans to replace him.
The impeachment push comes after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections, setting the stage for increased scrutiny of the Trump administration.
If the House approves articles of impeachment, the Senate would be responsible for holding a trial. A two-thirds majority would be required to convict and remove Hegseth from office.
For now, Hegseth remains in his position as the impeachment effort moves forward.
