Trump vows to back Hegseth if impeachment proceedings begin

US President Donald Trump said at a White House press briefing that he would back Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth if impeachment proceedings are initiated against him in Congress, CNN reported. The matter is pressing because the US House of Representatives may vote on impeaching the secretary over the war with Iran.

"Yes, I will support him," Trump said of Hegseth.

Attack on Massie

Articles of impeachment were filed on Monday by Republican congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky. Trump called him an "absolute loser" and said Massie has a lot of hatred in his heart. Earlier this year Massie lost a primary election to a challenger backed by Trump.

"I don't want to waste time keeping track of him," Trump said. He added: "We won two wars and made the world much safer, and now we're supposed to be impeached?"

CNN notes that, because of Massie's move, a vote must take place by Wednesday.

Background

On Monday, 9 November, Hegseth downplayed the risks posed by the impeachment initiative. Media had reported that the House could bring Hegseth's impeachment to a vote over the war with Iran. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has backed the initiative.

The statement also has a backstory: Trump told reporters he is not considering replacing the defense secretary. He spoke after reports that he had allegedly asked advisers whether Hegseth should stay in his post following the Republicans' defeat in the midterm elections to Congress.