Pete Hegseth Impeachment Increasingly Likely as Trump Rules Out Firing

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under increasing pressure to face impeachment following the Republican party's mid-term election losses. Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, is set to introduce articles of impeachment when Congress reconvenes next week. This move comes as President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for Hegseth, despite reports of private discussions among his advisers regarding the defense secretary's future.

Trump stated, "No, I think he's doing a very good job," while the White House reiterated its full confidence in Hegseth. The clash between Trump's public backing and mounting calls for Hegseth's removal has put the defense secretary at the heart of the administration's first significant post-midterm political challenge. Critics, particularly Democrats, have focused on Hegseth's handling of the Iran war, especially a strike campaign against suspected drug vessels that resulted in at least 240 deaths.

Republican Representatives Mike Rogers of Alabama and Dusty Johnson of South Dakota have expressed concerns about internal turmoil at the Pentagon. Massie, who introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth in September, aims to force a House vote on the measure shortly after Congress returns from the midterm recess. Incoming House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith has pledged to investigate Pentagon decision-making and the administration's approach to conflicts overseas.

Democratic Representative James Walkinshaw of Virginia tweeted, "Pete Hegseth has failed America and our service members. When the House votes on impeachment, I'm voting to impeach him." Days before the election, Representative Jason Crow, a Colorado Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, stated that removing Hegseth was his top priority if Democrats regain control of the House.

The speculation surrounding Hegseth's future has drawn parallels to former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who resigned following heavy Republican losses in the 2006 midterms amid widespread dissatisfaction with the Iraq War. Peter Feaver, a political scientist at Duke University, noted that personnel changes after midterms are not uncommon, with presidents often seeking to clean house after such results.

However, Feaver cautioned that the comparison with Rumsfeld has its limitations, as Trump's current intentions with Iran remain unclear. Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer and Fox News host, became one of Trump's most prominent political allies before being appointed defense secretary in January 2025. Despite facing scrutiny over personal conduct allegations and questions about alcohol use, Hegseth denied wrongdoing and rejected suggestions of being unqualified for the position.