President Donald Trump defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday and warned Democrats against pursuing impeachment if they regain control of the House, as lawmakers from both parties raise questions about the Pentagon chief’s conduct.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump warned congressional Democrats on Thursday against attempting to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth if they win control of the House of Representatives in next week’s midterm elections, suggesting Republicans could respond with similar impeachment efforts.
Speaking to reporters before departing for a campaign rally in South Carolina on October 29, Trump criticized the discussions surrounding Hegseth’s possible removal and expressed confidence in the Pentagon chief’s leadership.
“I think it’s terrible,” Trump said in response to a question from the Washington Examiner. “All they do is they talk about impeaching everybody.”
The president suggested Republicans could pursue comparable actions against Democratic officials.
“I mean, honestly, if we wanted to play that game, we could play it just as well,” Trump continued.
“But they’re talking about Pete Hegseth,” he added. “He’s doing a great job. He’s a great warrior. I think he’s the best at his job in many, many years, and a lot of people agree with that.”
Trump’s remarks came amid growing discussion among House Democrats about pursuing investigations and possible impeachment proceedings against Hegseth if the party gains a majority in the November 3 elections.
Democratic lawmakers have criticized Hegseth’s handling of the conflict with Iran, military operations against suspected drug-trafficking vessels and his removal of senior military officers.
They have also raised concerns about the disclosure of sensitive military information and the Pentagon’s responses to congressional oversight requests.
Some Democrats have suggested that Hegseth’s conduct warrants impeachment, while others have emphasized the importance of conducting investigations and obtaining additional records before deciding whether to pursue formal proceedings.
The impeachment effort is not limited to Democrats.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth on September 15, accusing him of violating constitutional limits on military operations and engaging in other conduct warranting removal.
According to CBS News, Massie’s resolution specifically challenges Hegseth’s involvement in military operations against Iran and raises allegations concerning congressional war powers and freedom of speech.
“In all of this, Secretary Hegseth has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as Secretary of Defense and subversive of constitutional government, to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice, and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States of America,” Massie said while introducing the measure.
The allegations represent Massie’s grounds for impeachment and have not been established through a Senate impeachment trial.
Massie has indicated that he intends to force a House vote on his resolution when Congress returns after the midterm elections.
In an October 26 interview with Roll Call, Massie said he planned to seek a vote during the first week of the lame-duck congressional session, potentially before the newly elected Congress takes office in January.
“I’m not sure if I would do it the night we get back, but it would be soon after we return — if he’s still in the job,” Massie said.
The proposal could require House Republicans to take a public position on Hegseth’s leadership even before any change in the chamber’s majority.
Several Democrats have expressed support for Massie’s initiative, while Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari of Arizona has separately pursued impeachment articles against the defense secretary.
The debate follows months of controversy over Hegseth’s leadership of the Pentagon.
One dispute concerns his handling of sensitive military information in a Signal messaging conversation in 2025 that inadvertently included a journalist.
A Pentagon inspector general subsequently determined that Hegseth’s use of a personal device to share sensitive information violated department procedures and created risks for military personnel.
Hegseth and administration officials have disputed interpretations of the incident suggesting that he compromised national security or engaged in conduct warranting removal.
The Pentagon has also experienced significant changes among senior military leaders during his tenure.
The latest involved Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, who was removed this week from his position as director of strategy, plans and policy for the Joint Staff.
Sylvia’s departure came as the administration considered additional military options involving Iran, and the Pentagon initially offered no detailed public explanation for his removal.
Hegseth has defended the broader leadership changes as part of an effort to improve accountability and military effectiveness.
Trump’s latest remarks indicate that the administration continues to support Hegseth despite criticism from lawmakers.
Under the Constitution, the House has the authority to impeach federal civil officers by a simple majority vote. The Senate then conducts a trial, and conviction and removal require a two-thirds vote of senators present.
An impeachment vote in the House would therefore not automatically remove Hegseth from office.
Congressional investigations, hearings and subpoenas could also proceed independently of formal impeachment proceedings.
The political dispute comes during the final days of the midterm campaign, with control of the House and Senate to be determined on November 3.
If Democrats gain control of the House, they would obtain greater authority to schedule hearings, direct committee investigations and bring impeachment resolutions to the floor.
For now, Republicans retain control of the chamber, and Massie’s proposed vote presents a separate question for lawmakers during the remaining weeks of the current Congress.
Trump’s warning Thursday underscores his continued defense of Hegseth as the defense secretary faces impeachment proposals from both parties and scrutiny over the administration’s military policies.
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