In a forceful statement on CNN’s “The Lead,” incoming Democratic Rep. Cait Conley of New York declared that impeaching Pete Hegseth should be a “top priority” for Democrats if he remains in office past the lame duck session. Conley, who recently secured her congressional seat, argued that Hegseth’s actions pose an urgent threat to national security.
National Security at Risk
Conley emphasized that protecting national security is the federal government’s foremost responsibility and accused Hegseth of undermining military readiness. “The harm that Pete Hegseth is doing to our national security every single day he is in that seat is real,” she said. The congresswoman-elect cited his dismissal of senior military officials as particularly troubling, noting they have historically prioritized national interests over partisan politics.
A Call for Immediate Action
While Conley urged the current Congress to act before the new session begins, she acknowledged it might take a Democratic majority to move forward. “If it does wait until the next, then it needs to be a top priority for Democrats,” she said. Conley also condemned his “reckless decisions” on military readiness, warning that the country “cannot afford any more Pete Hegseth.”
Her remarks signal growing Democratic frustration over Hegseth’s tenure, which has drawn criticism for alleged mismanagement and politicization of military leadership.
Source: www.breitbart.com โ https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/11/06/dem-rep-elect-conley-impeaching-hegseth-should-be-top-priority-for-democrats/