Trump Backs Hegseth as Massie Opens Impeachment Push
Trump renewed his backing of Hegseth on Monday, saying he would remain behind the Cabinet official despite a fresh effort to impeach him. Trump also attacked Massie, the Kentucky Republican who introduced the resolution, describing him as a loser and accusing him of harboring hatred. It was Trump’s first public show of support for Hegseth since Massie filed the measure, though Trump had previously said he intended to keep Hegseth in the post.
Massie brought forward the resolution when the House reconvened after the midterm elections. It accuses Hegseth of “high crimes and misdemeanors.” Democrats Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer have backed Massie’s effort. Republicans hold majorities in both chambers through January, when Democrats are set to take control.
Trump praised Hegseth’s handling of conflicts in Venezuela and Iran. Hegseth, addressing journalists at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, defended the decision to act in Iran as a bold step rather than leaving the situation alone. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also voiced support, saying Hegseth works hard and is highly intelligent. Hegseth said he expected to brief the press on Tuesday, November 10.
Trump Shields Hegseth as Impeachment Effort Gains Support
Trump’s renewed defense of Hegseth came as a bipartisan challenge to the War Secretary took shape, with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie introducing impeachment articles and Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer supporting the effort. The resolution accuses Hegseth of “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
Rather than address the substance of the impeachment push, Trump attacked Massie as a loser and accused him of hatred. His support matters: it is his first public endorsement of Hegseth since Massie filed the measure, although Trump had previously said he intended to keep him in the job.
Trump praised Hegseth’s conduct in Venezuela and Iran. Hegseth defended the decision to act in Iran as a bold move, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised his work and intelligence. Republicans control both chambers until January, when Democrats are due to take over. Hegseth said he expected to brief the press on Tuesday, November 10. The dispute now puts Hegseth’s conduct and accountability before Congress, even as Trump closes ranks around his appointee.
Massie Targets Trump’s War Secretary as Trump Stands Firm
Trump made clear he would not abandon Hegseth after Massie, a Kentucky Republican, introduced a resolution accusing the War Secretary of “high crimes and misdemeanors.” Trump called Massie a loser and said he was motivated by hatred. The president’s backing is a direct rebuke to an impeachment push that Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer have also endorsed.
Trump praised Hegseth’s handling of conflicts in Venezuela and Iran. Hegseth defended the choice to act in Iran as a bold move, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio described him as hardworking and smart. The administration’s supporters are standing behind a Cabinet official credited by Trump with success in those conflicts, while critics are seeking to remove him through impeachment.
Republicans retain majorities in the House and Senate until January, when Democrats are set to take control. Hegseth said he expected to brief the press on Tuesday, November 10. Massie’s resolution begins a political fight over Hegseth’s position, but Trump’s public commitment shows the president is prepared to defend his appointee.
Reported by The Washington Examiner, Local 10 Miami, KTVU FOX 2, CNN, Fox News.
