Jeffries declares 'hard yes' on Hegseth impeachment as Democrats seize Congress

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declared himself a “hard yes” on impeaching Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, signaling a major shift in Democratic strategy following their control of Congress. Speaking on ABC’s “This Week,” the New York Post reported ^[1], Jeffries stated, “Pete Hegseth has got to go,” accusing the official of abusing power and engineering a “reckless and costly war of choice in Iran.”

The impeachment resolution is led by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a Trump ally-turned-foe who lost his primary earlier this year. According to NBC News ^[2], Massie plans to introduce the measure as early as Monday, forcing a vote once the House returns. Jeffries noted that Democrats will caucus Tuesday to finalize their approach, though he confirmed his personal support for the initiative.

The political landscape shifted dramatically last week when voters handed Democrats control of both chambers, a result many Republicans attribute to anger over the conflict in Iran. The Independent ^[3] noted that House GOP leaders now anticipate enough defections from members who have lost their seats to pass the measure. An unidentified Trump adviser told Axios the secretary was “definitely on thin ice,” though the president publicly disagrees.

President Trump has defended Hegseth, telling reporters he was “doing a very good job.” In an interview with 60 Minutes, Trump dismissed the impeachment effort as “very unfair,” claiming the U.S. “won both” Venezuela and Iran. However, the New York Post ^[1] highlighted that opinion within the administration is divided, with some advisors questioning Hegseth’s future.

Hegseth has vigorously pushed back, releasing a video on X calling Massie a “disgruntled, defeated congressman” and labeling the articles of impeachment a “sham.” He argued the push is about “politics of personal destruction,” according to NBC News ^[2]. Meanwhile, The Independent ^[3] reported that Democrats have begun sounding out potential Pentagon whistleblowers and preparing subpoenas for Hegseth and his inner circle, including his wife and top aide.

Massie suggested his current resolution is merely the beginning, warning that a Democratic-controlled Congress would launch hearings and trials. With Jeffries poised to become Speaker in January, the fate of the Defense Secretary may be decided within days, testing the limits of executive accountability after a contentious midterm election cycle.