United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed an impeachment effort against him by Republican Representative Thomas Massie as a “farce”, “stunt” and “political spectacle”.
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“It’s a farce and it’s a stunt and everybody knows it,” Hegseth said during a press conference at the Pentagon on Tuesday.
He argued that the impeachment effort could send a dangerous message to America’s adversaries around the world.
Massie, a Republican from Kentucky and longtime critic of President Donald Trump, reintroduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Monday over the Iran war and other military actions ordered by the Trump administration.
Hegseth compared the effort with the two impeachment proceedings against Trump during his first term, the first arising from his dealings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the second following the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
“Both times they failed, both times he came back stronger, and the American people sent him back to the White House,” Hegseth said.
“Now they’re trying a third time, this time against a member of his Cabinet. They will fail again, and if standing with President Trump puts me in that company, I’ll take that company every day of the week.”
Trump weighed in shortly after Hegseth’s remarks, praising the Defense Secretary’s response while attacking Massie.
Trump said Hegseth deserved an “A PLUS, PLUS, PLUS” for his defence against Massie, whom he described as a disgruntled and defeated former congressman.
During the Pentagon briefing, Hegseth also defended his record as Defense Secretary, including the administration’s handling of the Iran war, military operations targeting alleged drug boats in Latin America and the operation involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The impeachment effort comes amid continuing controversy surrounding the Iran conflict, which has stretched into its ninth month.
Trump had previously described the conflict as a “minor incursion” that would last four to six weeks.
The prolonged war has coincided with concerns over depleted U.S. munitions, higher gas prices and inflation, while opposition to the conflict became an issue during the midterm elections.
The United States also recently moved military aircraft from RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom amid threats from Iran, with a U.S. official confirming that several aircraft had left the base as its security posture was increased.
Members of Congress from both parties have also expressed frustration over the amount and quality of information provided by Hegseth concerning the cost of the Iran conflict, which has been estimated at as much as $100 billion.
The Pentagon is still seeking approval for its budget.
Massie’s eight impeachment charges accuse Hegseth of abuses connected with the Iran war and other military operations.
Among the allegations is that Hegseth continued military action against Iran despite the absence of a congressional declaration of war or statutory authorisation.
The impeachment articles also raise allegations concerning military operations in Venezuela and Yemen and retaliation against critics of the administration. Hegseth has denied wrongdoing and defended the operations as lawful.
“This is not patriotism,” Hegseth said. “This is sabotage.”
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