Democratic Leader Backs Push to Remove Hegseth
Rep. Massie plans to introduce eight articles of impeachment as early as Monday.
By Amit Chukwu ·
Eight articles of impeachment are set to be introduced in the House, a move that has drawn the explicit support of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The New York Democrat announced his backing for the effort on Sunday during an interview on ABC’s This Week. When asked about the proposed resolution, Jeffries stated, “I’m a hard yes on the Hegseth resolution.” He further argued that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth must go because he has abused his authority and weakened national security.
The procedural engine behind this push is Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky. Massie intends to file a privileged resolution as soon as Monday. Under House rules, a privileged resolution can compel leadership to schedule a vote within two legislative days. The draft measure charges Hegseth with violating the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and contributing to the costly conflict with Iran.
Jeffries noted that House Democrats will deliberate on the proposal when members return to Washington on Tuesday. This reconvening follows the midterm elections, in which Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress. The party is positioned to take over leadership of the House and Senate in January. While Jeffries did not predict a unified party vote, he expressed confidence that the resolution will receive substantial support from his colleagues.
President Donald Trump continues to defend the Defense Secretary. In a separate interview with ABC News, the President stated he has “every intention to keep him.” Hegseth has rejected the impeachment effort, describing it as politically motivated and dismissing the allegations as a campaign against his person.
Lawmakers return to Washington this week to begin the legislative process. The House is expected to prepare for the consideration of Massie’s resolution in the coming days.
