US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed an effort to impeach him as a political stunt, as the House of Representatives prepared to consider allegations over his handling of the war with Iran and other military operations.
Speaking at the Pentagon on Tuesday, Hegseth said the attempt by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie was driven by personal resentment rather than genuine congressional oversight.
“What one disgruntled and defeated congressman is attempting is not oversight, it’s not accountability. It’s a political spectacle, a personal manifesto driven by ego and resentment,” he said.
Hegseth accused Mr Massie of trying to damage President Donald Trump, the United States and American service personnel during what was his first Pentagon news conference in six months.
“Put the secretary on trial today, and the men and women who carried out those orders tomorrow,” he said. “If they want to come for the warriors, they’re going to have to come through me.”
Hegseth impeachment effort
Mr Massie, a Kentucky Republican, introduced eight articles of impeachment on Monday. The allegations cover Hegseth’s handling of the conflict with Iran, military operations in Yemen and Venezuela, strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels and the alleged suppression of free speech.
Mr Massie argues that the conduct amounts to “high crimes and misdemeanors”. His resolution also accuses the defence secretary of exceeding congressional war powers and failing to comply with laws intended to limit civilian casualties.
Hegseth rejected the claims and said the operations cited in the resolution had been lawful orders authorised by the commander-in-chief and reported to Congress.
“Iran, the cartels, Maduro, Yemen, everyone was a lawful operation ordered by the commander in chief, then ordered by myself, notified to Congress and executed by American warriors who did their jobs,” he said.
He added: “We destroyed terror regimes’ capabilities. We sank the boats carrying poison into our communities. We put a narco dictator in handcuffs. These are not high crimes. This is the job, and it’s the job well done.”
President Trump has defended Hegseth and attacked Mr Massie, describing the outgoing Kentucky congressman as a “total loser” and saying the defence secretary should be praised rather than impeached.
The House is expected to vote on the impeachment resolution. If it is approved by a simple majority, the matter would proceed to a Senate trial, where a two-thirds majority would be required to convict Hegseth and remove him from office.
