Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth launched a fiery defense of his record Tuesday, denouncing an impeachment effort led by outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) as a reckless political stunt that threatens U.S. military operations.
“What one disgruntled and defeated congressman is attempting is not oversight, and it’s not accountability. It’s a political spectacle, a personal manifesto driven by ego and resentment,” Hegseth said at a press conference, taking direct aim at Massie’s eight articles of impeachment filed Monday.
Impeachment Showdown Looms
Massie’s resolution accuses Hegseth of “high crimes and misdemeanors” related to military actions in Iran and Yemen, the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, and scrutiny of Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ). The privileged resolution forces House leadership to act within two legislative days.
Hegseth warned that impeachment would send dangerous signals to U.S. adversaries: “It puts a target on the backs of American warriors by signaling that Congress will undermine their missions in real time. This is not patriotism. This is sabotage.”
Political Reckoning for Massie
The Kentucky Republican, who lost his primary to a Trump-backed challenger, is making his final legislative moves before leaving Congress in January. His impeachment push marks another clash with an administration he frequently opposed.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) suggested the effort might gain traction, telling reporters Monday: “On the face of it, the votes are there” for impeachment if Hegseth doesn’t resign or get fired first.
The confrontation sets up a potential lame-duck showdown as House Republicans weigh whether to make Hegseth the first Cabinet official impeached under Trump.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/hegseth-excoriates-massie-for-treating-heroes-like-criminals-in-impeachment-push