Hegseth defends record as Pengaton chief, slams 'sham' push for his impeachment

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth vowed to remain defiant against Democrats' impeachment efforts following Democrats' win in the recent midterm elections. Hegseth, speaking in a video released by the Pentagon, declared that "a disgruntled, defeated congressman, along with all his Democrat allies," have been pushing for his impeachment, reminiscent of a similar attempt against former President Donald Trump.

The Republican House representative from Kentucky, Thomas Massie, has called for a vote to impeach Hegseth soon after the Congress reconvenes following the midterm elections. Hegseth criticized Democrats' policies, stating that their obsession with political theatre is driven by attempts at personal destruction. He emphasized that "their policies don't work," and their actions are all about "the politics of personal destruction."

Hegseth further noted that the ongoing war in Iran and the energy crisis caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to the decline in the Trump administration's popularity, leading to growing bipartisan support for his impeachment. Despite former President Trump's support, stating that Hegseth is doing a "very good job," the US president reportedly questioned his advisers about whether the defence secretary should stay in his position after the election.

Hegseth reiterated his department's commitment to rebuilding the military, emphasizing that every vote from "patriotic members of Congress" is crucial for passing the US$350 billion reconciliation bill for the defence budget in 2027. He dismissed former President Joe Biden and his predecessor, Lloyd Austin, as having left the country in a "terrible place," asserting that his department has been fighting daily to restore it.

Hegseth made it clear that "you see, they attack me, they attack us, because we are effective. It's not going to work. We will not back down. We put America and the warfighter first, always, and without apology." His fight continues in the "lame duck Congress," particularly when it comes to the historic and vitally important budget.