Democrats plan to launch impeachment of US Defense Secretary Hegseth

The US Democratic Party intends to begin impeachment proceedings against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries announced. He stressed that the party secured a majority in both chambers of Congress in the recent midterm elections. Impeachment is a congressional procedure aimed at removing a senior official from office.

Jeffries currently leads the Democratic minority in the House of Representatives, but when the new lower chamber convenes he is expected to become majority leader.

Jeffries' accusations

In an interview on ABC's "This Week", Jeffries said Hegseth has abused his power, endangered national security and brought about a reckless and costly war in Iran that, in his words, could have been avoided. Asked about a resolution concerning Hegseth, the politician answered in the affirmative and said the secretary must leave his post.

Response from the Pentagon and Trump

When the British broadcaster BBC asked for comment, the Pentagon, the US Department of Defense, stated that the country's military leadership is not breaking any laws and that Hegseth is not troubled by "sham investigations".

On Sunday, President Donald Trump also defended the secretary. In an interview on CBS's "60 Minutes", he said Democrats want to impeach Hegseth and called it very unfair. Trump claimed the US had fought two wars and won both: in Venezuela and in Iran.