Republican leaders launched a fierce defense of War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, condemning Rep. Thomas Massie’s (R-KY) last-minute impeachment push as a desperate attention grab. The Kentucky congressman’s parting shot at Hegseth appears doomed as prominent GOP figures from House leadership to the White House rally behind the embattled cabinet member.
Leadership Sets the Tone
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) delivered the most scathing critique, labeling Massie a “disgruntled congressman” pursuing a “political gambit for attention.” Speaking to reporters, Johnson stressed that impeaching a cabinet secretary during international conflict “sends a terrible message” to allies and adversaries alike. The Louisiana Republican predicted swift rejection of the articles while praising Hegseth’s “extraordinary” service.
Senate Heavyweights Weigh In
Secretary of State Marco Rubio doubled down on his support for Hegseth, defending the administration’s aggressive stance against drug trafficking as addressing “a real and imminent threat.” Vice President JD Vance framed the impeachment as legislative theater, scoffing at suggestions Hegseth committed impeachable offenses. “Legislation is hard. Impeachments are easy,” Vance quipped to reporters.
House Republicans Fall In Line
Rank-and-file members followed leadership’s lead, with even critics of Hegseth indicating他们会投票反对弹劾。众议员Don Bacon (R-NE)承认自己不是Hegseth的粉丝，但他表示自己”倾向于反对弹劾”. 加州共和党众议员Darrell Issa直言该弹劾案如果侥幸在众议院通过，也”会在参议院夭折”. 此前曾与Hegseth有过摩擦的南卡罗来纳州众议员南希·梅斯也表示，她将投票反对弹劾，并称赞Hegseth对国防部的改革。
White House Backstop
Former President Donald Trump gave Hegseth his strongest endorsement yet, vowing to retain the War Secretary regardless of the impeachment outcome. The unified GOP response leaves Massie increasingly isolated as the House prepares to vote on his impeachment articles Wednesday evening, with even fiscal hawks and Pentagon reformers dismissing the effort as politically motivated.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/republicans-have-had-it-with-massie-rally-behind-hegseth