Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered a forceful defense against a Republican-backed impeachment effort during a rare morning briefing at the Pentagon, one day after the articles were filed. President Donald Trump responded by lavishing praise on Hegseth’s performance.
“What one disgruntled and defeated congressman is attempting is not oversight, and it’s not accountability,” Hegseth said as he opened his remarks. “It’s a political spectacle.”
“That’s what it is: policy disagreements, not high crimes, not misdemeanors, not treason, not bribery — not the kinds of offenses the founders envisioned when they wrote the impeachment clause.”
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, a frequent critic of both Hegseth and Trump, filed the resolution Monday. It accuses the secretary of “high crimes and misdemeanors,” kidnapping a foreign leader and violating laws intended to reduce civilian casualties.
Massie read the 34-page resolution on the House floor and criticized Hegseth for sharply restricting press access at the Pentagon. The Kentucky Republican, who has clashed repeatedly with Trump, is seeking a vote on the measure this week.
Trump appeared impressed by Hegseth’s response, writing on social media that the secretary deserved an “‘A’ PLUS, PLUS, PLUS” for defending himself against “a disgruntled, angry, defeated, former Congressman, Thomas Massie.”
“Great job by Pete Hegseth — A MUST SEE,” Trump added in a separate post sharing a link to the secretary’s full remarks.
Trump’s enthusiastic backing makes clear that he continues to stand behind Hegseth, even as he has blamed the Iran war and the impeachment push for Republicans’ losses in the midterm elections.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth condemned the Republican-led impeachment effort during a rare Monday morning briefing at the Pentagon
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie speaks at a news conference about the impeachment articles he introduced against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth
Speaking from the podium, Hegseth compared Massie’s campaign to an attack on the US military.
“He puts a target on the backs of American warriors by signaling that Congress will undermine their missions in real time. This is not patriotism. This is sabotage.”
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Hegseth also argued that the resolution could weaken the Pentagon at a moment when America’s adversaries are looking for opportunities to challenge the US military.
“Let’s be clear about what this resolution actually does. It tells our enemies — Iran, the cartels, every adversary watching — that the United States will punish its own warriors and civilian leadership for successfully carrying out lawful military operations.”
Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer, his brother, Phil, and his parents, Penelope and Brian Hegseth, were among those given reserved seats at the briefing.
Trump attacked Massie earlier Monday, calling him “a total loser” during an impromptu press appearance before criticizing him again while defending Hegseth.
“Defeated Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, a total loser, is trying to impeach perhaps the most popular and successful military official in the Country, Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth,” Trump wrote.
“With recruitment at an all-time high, from an all-time low under Sleepy Joe Biden, and two victories, Venezuela and Iran, Pete Hegseth should be praised, not impeached.”
Jennifer Hegseth, pictured in blue beside her husband, attended the briefing along with his parents
Massie is seeking a vote on the resolution this week, most likely Wednesday, after Congress returned from recess following a devastating midterm performance for Republicans.
The Kentucky Republican lost his reelection bid earlier this year after Trump endorsed and supported his GOP primary opponent.
The bitter feud within the Republican Party intensified after Massie backed legislation calling for the release of federal files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a move that angered Trump.
The last Secretary of War to face impeachment was William Belknap in 1876. He remains the first and only Pentagon chief to have been impeached by Congress.