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President Donald Trump is standing by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as impeachment efforts against him gain momentum. Speaking from the White House briefing room on Monday (November 9), Trump dismissed the impeachment efforts led by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who filed articles of impeachment against Hegseth the same day. Trump praised Hegseth for winning two wars, in Venezuela and Iran, and noted that military recruitment numbers have increased under his leadership.
Massie introduced the impeachment resolution on the House floor, citing Hegseth's controversial leadership at the Pentagon and his role in the Iran war. According to ABC News, Massie's resolution accuses Hegseth of violating the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and other charges, including the "kidnapping of a sovereign foreign leader" referring to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Hegseth responded to the impeachment efforts by stating he is "not worried" and announced a press conference at the Pentagon for Tuesday (November 10) to address the issue. He emphasized his commitment to his role and dismissed the impeachment as politically motivated, drawing parallels to previous impeachment attempts against Trump.
The impeachment effort has garnered support from some Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who expressed his backing for the resolution. However, the measure faces challenges in the Republican-controlled House and Senate, where a two-thirds majority is required for conviction.
Despite the controversy, Trump reiterated his support for Hegseth, calling Massie a "stone cold loser" and expressing confidence in Hegseth's performance. The impeachment process will require the House to take up the measure within two legislative days, forcing Republicans to publicly defend or oppose Hegseth.