In a nationally televised interview on ABC’s “This Week,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D‑NY) declared a “hard yes” to a resolution that would impeach Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Jeffries said the “so‑called secretary of defense” has “abused his power, undermined our national security, and engineered this reckless and costly war of choice in Iran,” which he claims has driven up prices for American families and made the country less safe.
Democratic Support Expected
When asked whether all House Democrats would back the measure, Jeffries expressed confidence that the conference would “have that conversation” on Tuesday morning when members convene in Washington for the first time since the midterm election. “I believe there will be incredibly strong support for that resolution,” he added.
Republican Counter‑Move
Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, announced plans to reintroduce a privileged resolution to impeach Hegseth as early as Monday. By raising a question of privilege on the floor, the House leadership would be required to schedule a vote within two legislative days. Massie’s resolution lists eight articles of impeachment, accusing the defense secretary of violating the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and other alleged offenses.
Trump Administration Defends Hegseth
President Trump, speaking to ABC News on Thursday, praised Hegseth’s work, calling it “fantastic” and stating, “I have every intention to keep him.” The president’s endorsement underscores the administration’s view that Hegseth’s actions are protecting the nation and supporting American families.
Hegseth Responds to Accusations
In a video posted to social media, Hegseth dismissed the impeachment effort as a partisan attack. He said, “A disgruntled, defeated congressman, along with all his Democrat allies, has also dropped sham articles of impeachment against yours truly, just like they tried against President Trump twice. It’s all about the politics of personal destruction — didn’t work against President Trump, and it won’t work with me.” The defense secretary’s remarks highlight the administration’s belief that the impeachment push is politically motivated rather than based on substantive wrongdoing.
Context and Implications
The impeachment discussion comes amid heightened tensions over U.S. involvement in Iran and rising domestic costs. While Democrats argue that Hegseth’s policies have jeopardized national security, the Trump administration maintains that a strong defense posture is essential for protecting American families and keeping energy prices stable. If the privileged resolution proceeds, House leadership would be forced to schedule a vote quickly, potentially bringing the issue to the floor within days.
What Comes Next
Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle are expected to weigh in during the upcoming Tuesday meeting. The outcome will likely hinge on whether Democratic members rally behind Jeffries’ confidence of “incredibly strong support” and how Republican leadership responds to Massie’s privileged resolution. President Trump’s continued backing of Hegseth adds a clear signal that the administration will fight any attempt to remove the defense secretary.
As the debate unfolds, constituents across the nation will be watching closely to see how this high‑stakes political showdown impacts national security policy and the broader conversation about congressional oversight of the executive branch.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
