U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Face Press as Republican Lawmaker Seeks Impeachment Over Iran War

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is preparing to hold his first Pentagon news conference in six months on Tuesday, November 10, as a Republican lawmaker pushes to impeach him over the war against Iran and allegations of abusing his authority.

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment on Monday, accusing Hegseth of waging war against Iran without congressional authorization, defying constitutional limits and committing other abuses of power. The charges also address U.S. military operations in Yemen and Venezuela.

Hegseth dismissed the threat, telling reporters, “We're not worried about that.” He promised to defend the administration's military decisions at the Pentagon briefing, his first since May.

President Donald Trump pledged to stand by Hegseth even if the House votes to impeach him. “Well, he won two wars. I don't know how you can impeach him,” Trump said, defending his Pentagon chief's record in Iran and Venezuela.

Massie's resolution could force a House vote by Wednesday, although Republican leaders may attempt to block a direct vote through procedural measures. Democrats have expressed support for impeachment, while House Speaker Mike Johnson opposes the effort.

The confrontation follows Republican losses in last week's midterm elections, which several party members have partly blamed on the Iran war and its economic consequences.

A recent AP Voter Poll found that roughly six in ten voters considered U.S. military action against Iran the wrong decision. Even if the House impeaches Hegseth, removing him from office would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate, where Republicans currently hold 53 seats.