Ted Cruz Warns Pete Hegseth Could Be Impeached Unless He Resigns or Trump Fires Him After Midterm Losses

Republican Senator Ted Cruz has warned that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could face impeachment unless he resigns or President Donald Trump removes him, predicting a wave of congressional investigations targeting the president, his family, Cabinet officials and Elon Musk.

Speaking on the November 9 episode of his *Verdict* podcast, Cruz said the votes appeared to be in place for the House of Representatives to impeach Hegseth.

“Either Hegseth is going to step down, either he will resign voluntarily or Trump will fire him,” Cruz said. Otherwise, he argued, it was “extremely likely, if not certain, that the House will impeach him because, on the face of it, the votes are there.”

The warning followed Republican Representative Thomas Massie's introduction of eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on November 9, including allegations concerning the war in Iran.

Cruz said Hegseth could be only the first target as Democrats prepare to control both chambers of Congress in January.

“We'll have at least one impeachment of the president. We might have more than one,” he predicted. “We will see the same thing directed at Trump family members. We will see the same thing directed at multiple cabinet members.”

The Texas senator also warned that Elon Musk and his businesses could face extensive congressional scrutiny.

“I expect Elon Musk in particular to be targeted. I expect every one of his companies to be targeted. I expect him personally to be targeted,” Cruz said.

“They hate Elon Musk with a hate that is exceeded only by their hate for President Trump.”

Cruz further warned that the prospect of investigations was already driving employees away from the administration.

“One of the challenges we're already seeing, and it's going to accelerate, is an exodus of talent from the administration,” he said, describing White House and agency employees who feared becoming targets.

Democratic lawmakers have announced plans to examine Musk's involvement in federal workforce reductions and other administration policies. Their stated oversight priorities do not establish Cruz's broader allegations about political retaliation.

Trump has defended Hegseth, who has rejected the impeachment effort. Even if the House approves the charges, removing him from office would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate.