Trump Defends Hegseth as House Prepares Impeachment Vote

President Donald Trump defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday against a push to impeach him, pointing to a tally of 18 American casualties in a recent conflict with Iran. The president spoke in the White House briefing room, where he characterized the effort to remove his cabinet member as ironic given Hegseth's recent military engagements. He contrasted the 18 lives lost in Iran with the 65,000 Americans lost in the Vietnam War, suggesting that history has not typically punished leaders for waging war.

Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced a 34-page privileged resolution that forces the House to consider the impeachment within two legislative days. The document covers multiple grounds for removal, including Hegseth's attempt to impose a post-retirement demotion on Sen. Mark Kelly. Massie described the Kelly-related article as the most ironic element of the resolution. He noted that Hegseth accused the Arizona Democrat of seditious statements and reckless misconduct for urging military personnel to resist illegal orders. The resolution labels that action a politically motivated reprisal.

Kelly, a retired Navy captain who served for 25 years, remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. A federal judge ruled that Hegseth's effort to demote Kelly and reduce his pension violated the senator's free speech rights. In February, a federal grand jury declined to indict Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers after they posted a video on Nov. 18 reminding service members of their right to refuse unlawful orders. Kelly called the process a consequence of placing an unqualified individual in charge of the largest organization in the world during a Monday interview. He stated he assumes the House has the votes to move forward with the articles.

The impeachment resolution also addresses deadly strikes against purported drug boats in the Caribbean, including attacks on shipwrecked survivors. Massie argued that Hegseth attacked Kelly for advising against illegal orders, yet six of the articles accuse Hegseth of carrying out such orders. The Kentucky Republican said the impeachment would send a message to the president, comparing it to a horse being shot out from under him. He added that while impeaching the president is a high hurdle, removing a cabinet member is more feasible.

Hegseth, speaking from Rhode Island, dismissed the threat, stating that the administration is not worried about the push. Trump also brushed off rumors that he would fire the secretary. The president claimed he engineered Massie's defeat in a recent primary by endorsing a challenger, calling the representative a loser with hatred in his heart. He emphasized that the impeachment charges focus on broken laws and constitutional violations rather than job performance.

The House reconvened on Monday for the first time since Sept. 16, ending a pre-election recess ordered by Speaker Mike Johnson. Kelly previously criticized Johnson for delaying the vote until after the midterms, calling him the Speaker of the White House. Until a new Congress is sworn in on Jan. 3, Republicans hold slim majorities in both chambers. Impeachment requires a simple majority in the House, while conviction requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate. At least 30 Republicans lost House seats in the midterms, and some remaining members have expressed concern about Hegseth. Rep. Yassamin Ansari of Phoenix said several Republicans have publicly voiced those concerns.

Massie said the impeachment is not about being bad at the job, noting that Hegseth was effective in his role. The representative said he hopes the process serves as a clear signal to the executive branch. The resolution remains in the House as lawmakers navigate the short lame duck session.