Hegseth says ‘policy disagreements’ led to bipartisan impeachment push

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vehemently denied accusations of impeachment at a press briefing on Tuesday, alleging that it stemmed from policy disagreements and not "high crimes and misdemeanors" as defined in the Constitution. Hegseth expressed his defense against Rep. Thomas Massie's impeachment resolution, which was filed in the House on Monday, focusing on the Iran war and other military actions.

He maintained that no Secretary of War or Secretary of Defense has ever been impeached for executing lawful military operations. Hegseth accused Massie of sabotaging American forces in real time and warned that the impeachment effort would send a message to enemies that the United States would punish its own warriors and civilian leadership for successful military operations.

Despite the impeachment attempt, Trump has backed Hegseth, citing successful military operations, including the capture of then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and military actions against Iran.