U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth Defends Iran War, Demands $350 Billion in Military Funding and Rejects Impeachment Threats

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the war with Iran, demanded at least $350 billion in additional military funding and vowed to resist impeachment efforts following Republicans’ defeat in the midterm elections.

In a video message released outside the Pentagon on November 5, Hegseth described the Iran war as a “courageous and historic effort” that he believes will prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“The Department of War must be funded to meet the moment right now,” he said, calling for a reconciliation bill of at least $350 billion to strengthen American military capabilities.

Hegseth also rejected efforts to impeach him, accusing Democrats and their allies of pursuing political retaliation rather than legitimate oversight.

“Impeachment didn’t work with President Trump. It won’t work with me,” he said, insisting that attacks against his leadership would not change his course.

Defending his changes at the Pentagon, Hegseth accused Democrats and what he called “deep-state radicals” of opposing his administration because it had dismantled policies they supported.

“DEI is a Marxist ideology built to destroy us, so we crushed it,” he said, referring to diversity, equity and inclusion programs. “Patriots are now in control.”

He also declared that “narcoterrorists should die,” defending the administration’s hard-line approach to suspected drug traffickers.

Hegseth closed by promising to continue implementing Trump’s military agenda despite mounting political opposition.

“We have only just begun to fight. We are more determined than ever, more resolute than ever to finish what we have started,” he said.