House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Sunday that he supports efforts to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, marking a significant development in the growing political pressure on President Donald Trump’s administration. During an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” the New York Democrat confirmed his position on a proposed impeachment resolution, declaring, “I’m a hard yes on the Hegseth resolution.” Jeffries accused Hegseth of abusing his authority, weakening national security and contributing to the costly war with Iran. “Pete Hegseth has got to go,” he added.
The impeachment effort is being spearheaded by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who plans to introduce a privileged resolution as early as Monday. The measure contains eight articles of impeachment, including allegations that Hegseth violated the War Powers Resolution of 1973. Under House procedures, introducing a privileged resolution can require congressional leaders to schedule a vote within two legislative days.
Jeffries said House Democrats would discuss the proposal when members reconvene Tuesday following the midterm elections. Although he stopped short of predicting how every member would vote, he expressed confidence that the resolution would receive substantial backing from his party. His endorsement comes after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress in the elections, positioning the party to take over the House and Senate in January.
Trump has continued to defend Hegseth, praising his performance and telling ABC News he has “every intention to keep him.” Hegseth, meanwhile, has rejected the impeachment effort, characterizing it as politically motivated and dismissing the allegations as a campaign against him. The coming days could prove pivotal as lawmakers return to Washington and the House prepares to consider the resolution.
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