Jeffries Backs Impeachment of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Says ‘He Has Got to Go’

US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has declared his support for impeaching Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, describing himself as a “hard yes” on a proposed impeachment resolution against the Pentagon chief.

Jeffries made the declaration on Sunday, November 8, during an appearance on ABC News’ This Week, where he accused Hegseth of abusing his authority, undermining national security and contributing to the escalating war involving Iran.

“I’m a hard yes on the Hegseth resolution. The so-called secretary of defence has abused his power, undermined our national security and engineered this reckless and costly war of choice in Iran, which has skyrocketed prices on the American people and made the country less safe,” Jeffries said.

He added emphatically: “Pete Hegseth has got to go.”

The Democratic leader’s position comes as Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky prepares to introduce an impeachment resolution against Hegseth, potentially as early as Monday.

Massie, who is leaving Congress, has been leading the effort and intends to introduce the resolution through a privileged procedure that could force a House vote within two legislative days.

The proposed resolution contains eight articles of impeachment, accusing Hegseth of several alleged violations, including breaching the War Powers Resolution of 1973 in connection with US military involvement in Iran.

Asked whether he expected other Democrats to support the measure, Jeffries said the party would discuss the proposal when lawmakers reconvene in Washington on Tuesday.

However, he expressed confidence that the resolution would attract substantial support among Democratic lawmakers.

“I believe there will be incredibly strong support for that resolution,” he said.

The impeachment effort comes amid growing political scrutiny of Hegseth’s handling of the Iran conflict and other military operations under the Trump administration.

President Donald Trump, however, has continued to defend his defence secretary, dismissing suggestions that he could be removed from office and describing his performance as very good.

Hegseth has also rejected the impeachment effort, describing it as politically motivated and accusing his opponents of pursuing what he called a campaign of political destruction.

Although the proposed impeachment resolution has attracted support from leading Democrats, its passage remains uncertain, particularly as Republicans continue to control the House until the next Congress takes office in January.

The coming days are expected to determine the level of congressional support for the measure and whether lawmakers will proceed with a formal impeachment vote.