Hegseth Faces Impeachment Vote as Democrats Seize Congress

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces an imminent impeachment vote in the House of Representatives. The session occurs days after Democrats regained control of both chambers of Congress. This timing places the secretary’s tenure in immediate jeopardy.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) holds a privileged resolution that compels the House to consider the matter. Under current rules, the body must address the resolution during the next voting session, scheduled for next week. Massie stated on X that he would only withdraw the articles if Hegseth resigns.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) joined the push for removal on Friday. He cited what he called incompetence, bad advice given to the president, and specific actions such as firing top generals and texting war plans to reporters. Tillis posted these criticisms directly on X to signal support for the impeachment effort.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Hegseth is doing a very good job. Despite this executive support, members of both parties have indicated backing for the impeachment process. The conflict now centers on whether the new Democratic leadership will proceed with the vote.

Hegseth responded to the threat on Thursday by releasing a video. He described the effort as political theater and a campaign of personal destruction. He noted that this tactic had not succeeded against President Trump and would not succeed against him.

The procedural path for a replacement becomes more complex if Hegseth leaves his post. Trump could seek confirmation from the lame-duck Congress in the coming days. In January, however, securing a new defense secretary would require navigating a Democratic-controlled legislature, a process expected to be difficult.