House Democrats Back Bid to Impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has committed to supporting an effort to impeach Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, a move that positions the measure for a potential floor vote this week. The New York Democrat made the pledge during an interview on ABC's "This Week," signaling a shift in strategy for his party ahead of a critical session.

Jeffries confirmed he would stand behind the resolution sponsored by Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who has long criticized the administration's handling of the conflict in Iran. "I strongly support the resolution against Hegseth," Jeffries stated. He argued that the secretary has abused his power and weakened national security by initiating a costly war in Iran on his own authority, actions he said have raised prices for Americans.

The endorsement provides a vital procedural advantage for the impeachment effort. With the House returning to session, the resolution is expected to be introduced early in the week, followed by a formal vote. Jeffries noted that discussions regarding the unified stance of House Democrats are scheduled for Tuesday morning, a date that aligns with the return of legislative activities.

This development follows months of procedural delays. Massie originally introduced the impeachment resolution in September, but Republican leadership canceled scheduled votes before the chamber suspended operations early. The timing of the current push coincides with voter dissatisfaction over the administration's management of the Iran war, a factor that influenced recent midterm election results.

President Donald Trump has publicly maintained his support for Hegseth, stating the secretary is doing a "very good job." This stands in contrast to reports from NBC News that the president privately told allies he was considering replacing Hegseth. The president's mixed signals have created uncertainty about the secretary's long-term standing in the administration.

Hegseth has responded to the impeachment threat with a defensive posture. In a video posted to social media last week, he described Massie as a "resented and defeated congressman." Hegseth argued that the push for his removal is purely political destruction, asserting that the strategy failed against Trump and would not succeed against him either.

Massie framed the current resolution as a moderate alternative to the actions likely to follow if Democrats gain control of the House. He warned that future proceedings could involve extensive hearings and trials. Representative Yassamin Ansari, a Democrat from Arizona who also introduced an impeachment resolution in April, echoed the urgency. She urged her colleagues to bring the matter to the full House and vote on it immediately, stating that Hegseth must be held accountable.

The chamber faces a decision on whether to proceed with the vote despite the partisan divide. The outcome will determine if the impeachment effort moves forward or stalls in committee, a key test of legislative cohesion in the coming days.