US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has rejected a congressional impeachment effort, describing the move as a “political spectacle” and defending US military operations carried out under the Trump administration.
Speaking at the Pentagon on Tuesday (10 Nov), Hegseth said the allegations represented an attempt to undermine national security decisions, stating: “It’s a farce, and it’s a stunt, and everybody knows it.” He argued that the operations were “lawful” and carried out through the military chain of command.
The impeachment resolution, introduced by Representative Thomas Massie, contains eight articles of impeachment concerning Pete Hegseth’s role in US military operations involving Iran, Yemen, Venezuela, the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Massie alleges violations of the War Powers Resolution, failures to protect civilians, and abuses of executive authority, including over maritime strikes and other military actions.
Hegseth said the effort would “put a target on the backs of American warriors”, adding: “This is not patriotism. This is sabotage.” The dispute has intensified debate in Washington over war powers, executive authority and congressional accountability.
Under the US Constitution, impeachment is a congressional process used to formally accuse federal officials of alleged misconduct. If the House of Representatives approves articles of impeachment, the matter moves to the Senate, which holds a trial and requires a two-thirds majority vote to remove an official from office.
The dispute comes as Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers of Congress following the 2026 midterm elections, potentially increasing scrutiny of the Trump administration and its use of executive authority.