US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed the impeachment effort against him as a “farce” during a Pentagon news conference. Hegseth made the remarks one day after Republican Representative Thomas Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment. The Kentucky lawmaker accused the defence chief of abusing his authority through military operations involving Iran.
Speaking at his first Pentagon news conference since May, Hegseth described the move as sabotage. He argued that the effort undermines military leadership and gives America’s adversaries propaganda opportunities.
“This is not patriotism. This is sabotage,” Hegseth told reporters. He also predicted the impeachment effort would fail, comparing it with previous attempts to impeach President Donald Trump.
Massie’s resolution raises allegations against Hegseth. They include conducting military action against Iran without congressional authorisation and disregarding legal protections for civilians. The articles also address US operations involving Yemen and Venezuela, alongside strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels.
Massie argues that Hegseth’s actions amount to high crimes and misdemeanours. Hegseth rejects that position and maintains that the military operations served national security objectives.
The dispute comes amid divisions over the Iran conflict. The war has become an issue in Washington, with lawmakers debating its legal basis, costs and consequences.
President Donald Trump has defended Hegseth and criticised Massie’s impeachment initiative. The president praised his defence secretary’s response and rejected calls for his removal.
Meanwhile, the House could consider a procedural motion to dismiss the impeachment resolution. Massie said lawmakers would debate and vote on the articles if that effort failed.
A simple majority in the House would approve impeachment. However, conviction and removal require a two-thirds majority in the Senate, making the next steps challenging. Republican lawmakers remain divided over the administration’s approach.
The Pete Hegseth impeachment effort now places the defence secretary under renewed scrutiny. His public remarks signal that he intends to remain in office and defend the administration’s military decisions.
The coming House proceedings will determine whether the resolution advances beyond its initial stage. For now, Hegseth insists the effort will fail, while Massie continues pressing his allegations.
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