Hegseth Speaks in Newport as Massie Moves to Force Impeachment Vote

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stood at the Naval War College in Newport on Monday and told reporters he is not worried about the noise. Back in Washington, a Republican congressman had just made the noise louder.

Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky filed a resolution to impeach Hegseth the moment the House opened for its first session since the midterm elections, according to WPRI 12 News, which carried the Associated Press report. A vote could come by midweek.

What the resolution says

The resolution focuses mostly on the war in Iran. It also points to Hegseth's role in military action in Yemen and Venezuela. Massie argues the secretary's conduct meets the constitutional standard for impeachment and that his leadership at the Pentagon warrants it.

If the House impeaches, the matter goes to the Senate for a possible trial. Republicans hold the majority in both chambers until the new Congress convenes in January, when Democrats take control.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, tried to head this off. He called impeaching a Cabinet secretary during hostilities abroad a bad signal to allies and enemies alike, and said such a step should not be used for political gain or cheap tricks. Most House Democrats are expected to back impeachment. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said over the weekend it is time for Hegseth to go.

Hegseth's answer in Rhode Island

After his Naval War College speech, Hegseth brushed aside the push. He described the critics as politically motivated people whose real disagreement is with success. On the military actions themselves, he said, “I'm happy to do it all day long.”

He argued the Iran war was necessary because someone had to confront the regime's pursuit of a nuclear weapon. The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran holds 440.9 kilograms, or 972 pounds, of uranium enriched to 60% purity. Weapons-grade is 90%. Iran has long said its nuclear program is peaceful.

President Donald Trump has defended his Defense secretary too. He said Hegseth is guilty only of winning two wars, and that it is hard to impeach someone for that. Hegseth said the next steps are up to the president.

Hegseth also announced a news conference for Tuesday. It will be his first in more than 180 days. His last briefing was in May, and he has not held one on the Iran war or other military actions since.

The pocketbook problem

For families filling a tank or paying a heating bill, the stakes are not abstract. AP reports that Iran has kept striking military bases used by the United States and commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. One-fifth of the world's oil passed through that waterway before the war. Disruptions there have pushed up energy prices.

Voters noticed. The AP Voter Poll, a survey of more than 100,000 voters, found about 6 in 10 said the U.S. made the wrong decision in taking military action against Iran. Many Republicans blamed the war for their losses on Election Day. Vice President JD Vance has also pointed to the war as a factor, AP reported. Hegseth said he agrees with Trump that the president would do it again.

Inside the Pentagon, scores of political appointees have posted images of Hegseth with the words “Stand. Fight. Defend the Republic.” The White House released a video featuring Trump's praise. Whether House Republicans follow Massie or Johnson is the open question this week.