Hegseth comes out swinging against Massie impeachment push
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Secretary Pete Hegseth gestures as he speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon on November 10 in Arlington, Virginia. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lambasted Rep. Thomas Massie's (R-KY) push to oust him, likening the impeachment effort to Democrats' successful impeachments of President Trump.
The big picture: As the possible first impeachment of a Cabinet secretary during the second Trump era and a Democratic-led Congress loom, Hegseth isn't going down without a war of words.
- Hegseth's news conference was less than 30 minutes long, including the questions he fielded from generally friendly outlets.
- The conference clearly pleased Trump, who gave Hegseth "an 'A' PLUS, PLUS, PLUS" in a Truth Social post.
Driving the news: "They impeached President Trump over a perfect phone call. They impeached him again in his final week in office," Hegseth said, referencing Trump's first impeachment over a phone call where he pressed Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden and his second over the Jan. 6 attack.
- "Both times he came back stronger, and the American people sent him back to the White House. Now they're trying a third time. This time against a member of his cabinet," he continued.
- "They will fail again, and if standing with President Trump puts me in that company, I'll take that company every day of the week."
Catch up quick: Massie, who Hegseth labeled a "disgruntled congressman," introduced his articles of impeachment against the defense secretary Monday over his handling of the war in Iran and other alleged misconduct.
- Republicans who were defeated in last week's stunning midterm shakeup have little left to lose and could get on board with impeaching Hegseth, Axios previously reported. Post-election attendance could also be an issue.
What he's saying: Hegseth mounted a defense of scrutinized U.S. military operations in Iran, Venezuela and the Caribbean.
- "We sank the boats carrying poison into our communities. We put a narco dictator in handcuffs. These are not high crimes. This is the job, and it's the job well done," he said.
- Massie condemned the boat strikes on alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific in his resolution, alleging Hegseth "arrogated to himself and the Executive Branch the roles of judge, jury, and executioner." The operation has killed well over 200 people.
- Massie's resolution included eight charges, including the accusation that he violated the 1973 War Powers Resolution in connection to the war in Iran and that he retaliated against Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) for his constitutionally protected speech.
What we're watching: Hegseth's impeachment would be monumental. The House has only impeached two Cabinet secretaries in U.S. history.
