Hegseth Calls Impeachment Bid ‘Sabotage’ as Republican Moves to Oust Him

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed a Republican-led attempt to impeach him as political sabotage, defending the Trump administration’s military campaign against Iran amid growing criticism of the conflict.

Hegseth made the remarks on Tuesday, November 10, during a rare news conference at the Pentagon, his first in approximately six months, where he accused Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky of pursuing a politically motivated campaign rather than genuine accountability.

“This is not patriotism. This is sabotage,” Hegseth said, describing the impeachment effort as a political spectacle that could undermine American military operations and send the wrong message to US troops.

Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Monday, accusing the defence secretary of abusing his office, violating constitutional limits on presidential war powers and implementing unlawful military orders.

Three of the charges centre on the US military campaign against Iran, which Massie argues was launched and sustained without the necessary authorisation from Congress.

Another allegation concerns civilian casualties, including a February 28 strike on a girls’ school in Minab, Iran, which reportedly killed scores of children.

The remaining allegations involve US military operations in Venezuela and Yemen, alleged extrajudicial killings of suspected drug traffickers and claims that Hegseth retaliated against Democratic Senator Mark Kelly over his criticism of military orders.

Hegseth has rejected the accusations, insisting that American military operations were lawful and that disagreements over government policy should be settled through legislation and elections rather than impeachment.

He also argued that the move against him could weaken the confidence of US military personnel and expose American troops to political interference.

The impeachment initiative has emerged amid growing Republican divisions over the Iran war, with several members of the party expressing dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the conflict.

The political pressure has intensified following significant Republican losses in last week’s midterm elections, with some GOP lawmakers linking the outcome to voter dissatisfaction over the war and its economic consequences.

President Donald Trump has publicly defended Hegseth, describing him as a strong member of his administration and urging Republicans to oppose the impeachment effort.

However, some Republican lawmakers have indicated that they want further explanations about the administration’s strategy in Iran and Hegseth’s leadership of the Pentagon.

The House of Representatives is expected to consider the impeachment resolution within two legislative days of its introduction, although Republican leaders could attempt to block or delay a vote through procedural measures.

Even if the House approves the articles, Hegseth would not automatically lose his position. The Senate would have to conduct an impeachment trial, and conviction would require a two-thirds majority.

The effort marks an unusual challenge to a senior member of Trump’s administration, particularly because it is being led by a Republican lawmaker rather than solely by opposition Democrats.