Hegseth vows to keep going as impeachment resolution and talk of his future grow
Hegseth endorsed Massie's challenger, and Democrats plan closer Pentagon oversight after the midterms, including on the Iran war.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a five-minute video from outside the Pentagon on Thursday, saying the department has "only just begun to fight." The message answered Democrats who want more oversight of the Pentagon after their midterm election gains.
Hegseth said a defeated congressman and his Democratic allies had filed "sham" articles of impeachment against him. He was referring to Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who introduced the articles. Hegseth had endorsed Massie's Republican challenger, Ed Gallrein, who won Tuesday's election.
Democrats have signaled they may examine the Iran war, Hegseth's firing of several senior military officers with little explanation, and lethal boat strikes in the Western Hemisphere. Hegseth also defended the department's $1.5 trillion defense budget request, which appears less likely to pass after the election. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have both said the Iran war was a major factor in the Republican losses.
Key points
- Hegseth posted a defiant video on Thursday, filmed outside the Pentagon.
- Massie, an outgoing Republican, introduced impeachment articles against Hegseth.
- Democrats plan more oversight on the Iran war and military firings.
- The $1.5 trillion defense budget request looks less likely to pass.
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Summarized with AI from the sources above and reviewed before publishing.
