Defense secretary calls impeachment effort 'political spectacle'

Defense secretary calls impeachment effort 'a political spectacle' Advertisement Updated: 10:22 AM EST Nov 10, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Rachel Hirschheimer Washington Correspondent Defense secretary calls impeachment effort 'a political spectacle' Updated: 10:22 AM EST Nov 10, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Rachel Hirschheimer Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has responded to articles of impeachment drafted by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, defending his actions and calling the effort "a political spectacle." "As for the articles themselves, Iran, the cartels, Maduro, Yemen, everyone was a lawful operation ordered by the commander-in-chief, then ordered by myself, notified to Congress and executed by American warriors who did their jobs," Hegseth said. Advertisement The resolution primarily focuses on Hegseth's role in military actions related to the Iran war but also includes references to military operations in Yemen and Venezuela. Massie claims Hegseth's actions amount to "high crimes and misdemeanors" and argues that his leadership at the Pentagon warrants impeachment. Hegseth is also calling this effort an attack on American troops. "On the eve of Veterans Day," Hegseth said, "these resolutions tell every one of them that their service was a crime." The House could vote on the resolution as soon as this week. Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau: Make WTAE a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks Inflation numbers are in. Try our calculator to estimate the cost difference of various groceries Florida cowboys rescue farm animals left stranded by flooding: 'It's gut-wrenching' Top Runway model, '227' actress, dies at 74 after 'long, courageous battle' with MS Baker who's legally blind pursues dream of running his own bakery. He faces unique challenges