Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lashed out at a rare Pentagon press conference Tuesday as the House neared action on his impeachment, and President Donald Trump gave the performance a glowing review.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who lost his May primary to a Trump-backed challenger, introduced eight articles of impeachment Monday, accusing Hegseth of waging war against Iran without congressional authorization and abusing the powers of his office. Because Massie filed it as a privileged resolution, the House must act on it by Wednesday.
In a social media post, Trump praised Hegseth’s performance while also attacking Massie.
“Pete Hegseth gets an ‘A’ PLUS, PLUS, PLUS for his defense against a disgruntled, angry, defeated, former Congressman, Thomas Massie, a TOTAL LOSER!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Trump has said he’ll stand by Hegseth even if he’s impeached, and has denied reports that he plans to replace him.
Massie first introduced the articles in September, but Speaker Mike Johnson sent the House home early before a vote could happen, and the measure lapsed. Johnson has denied the early recess was related to the impeachment push.
Republicans hold 218 seats to Democrats’ 214, so three GOP defections joined by every Democrat would be enough to impeach, ABC News reported. Some Republicans who lost their races last week are no longer facing voters.
GOP leaders could still avoid an up-or-down vote. Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s floor schedule lists a “procedural motion” on the resolution among items that may be considered Tuesday, though the House can vote to table the measure or refer it to committee.