- Pentagon chief Hegseth is expected to face a House impeachment vote this week.
- On Monday, Hegseth said "We're not worried about that" when asked about Republican support.
- On Sunday, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said he was a "hard yes" on the impeachment measure.
- Massie warned impeachment would be "much gentler" than what's in store once Democrats take control, and urged Trump to replace Hegseth now.
- Hegseth has mounted a social media campaign, saying in a defiant video message last week that he would not back down.
- Last year, Hegseth sought to prosecute Senator Mark Kelly after he urged troops to refuse illegal orders.
- Massie's impeachment articles accuse Hegseth of "high crimes and misdemeanors" including waging the Iran war and violating the free speech rights of US Senator Mark Kelly.
- Trump previously stated that sedition is "punishable by DEATH!" in relation to Hegseth's accusations against Kelly.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is facing impeachment proceedings initiated by Rep. Thomas Massie, who claims Hegseth committed "high crimes and misdemeanors" by waging war against Iran without congressional approval. The House is expected to vote on the articles this week, with a simple majority needed for passage.4567
Massie, a Republican critic of Trump, warned that impeachment would be "much gentler" than the scrutiny Hegseth would face once Democrats take control in January. He urged Trump to replace Hegseth before it’s too late, stating, "President Trump should replace Secretary Hegseth now while he can still get a replacement confirmed in the Senate."8
Despite the looming vote, Hegseth remains defiant, asserting, "We're not worried about that." He has mounted a social media campaign to rally support, drawing parallels to Trump’s impeachment, claiming, "It didn't work against President Trump, and it won't work with me."
House Speaker Mike Johnson has opposed the impeachment effort, arguing that it would send a negative message during ongoing hostilities abroad. Meanwhile, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has expressed strong support for the impeachment measure, indicating a divided response within Congress.
Conviction in the Senate appears unlikely, as a two-thirds majority is required, and Republicans currently hold 53 of 100 seats.
“Hegseth drew a defiant comparison to President Trump, saying "It didn't work against President Trump, and it won't work with me," and claimed last week he would not back down. Massie, a Trump critic leaving office in January, warned impeachment would be "much gentler" than what's in store once Democrats take control, and urged Trump to replace Hegseth now.”
