Washington — As Congress returns Monday for a five‑week lame‑duck session, President Donald Trump publicly pledged to keep Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in his post. The president’s statement comes amid a flurry of partisan activity, including Rep. Thomas Massie’s plan to introduce a privileged resolution seeking Hegseth’s impeachment.
Trump’s Defense of Hegseth
In a Thursday video, President Trump said he will retain Hegseth, noting that the secretary’s policies on the Iran conflict and Pentagon cultural initiatives align with the administration’s goals. “This is not about me, but of course the other side, they’re obsessed,” Trump said, dismissing the impeachment effort as a political stunt.
Massie’s Impeachment Move
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, who lost his primary earlier this year, is expected to reintroduce a privileged resolution with eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth as early as Monday. The move reflects ongoing tensions within the GOP, as some members seek to hold the Pentagon leadership accountable for recent policy decisions.
Other Legislative Priorities
The lame‑duck Congress faces a packed agenda. Lawmakers must pass the National Defense Authorization Act and the annual Pentagon policy bill before the year‑end deadline of Dec. 11, when government funding expires. Disputes over funding for the Iran war, the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and the expired Farm Bill are also on the table.
Senate Republicans plan to confirm the remaining Trump nominees before the new Congress convenes in January, aiming to preserve the administration’s staffing achievements. Meanwhile, Senate leadership elections are scheduled for Tuesday, with no major shake‑ups expected.
House Leadership Changes
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced he will not seek the GOP leadership role in the next Congress, opening a contest between Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan. House Democrats will hold their leadership elections on Nov. 18, with Hakeem Jeffries poised to secure the speaker nomination.
Freshman Orientation and Upcoming Votes
The session also includes orientation for the largest incoming House freshman class since 1933, with at least 109 new members set to be sworn in on Jan. 3. Senate newcomers will join as at least 17 senators retire, reshaping the chamber’s composition.
In addition to defense and budget matters, the Senate will hold a procedural vote on permitting reform legislation, a bipartisan effort to streamline infrastructure project approvals.
Implications for the Trump Administration
President Trump’s firm backing of Hegseth underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining a strong defense posture and advancing its cultural agenda at the Pentagon. By confronting partisan impeachment attempts and pushing forward critical legislation, the Trump administration aims to leave a lasting legacy before the new Congress takes over.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
