USAupdated 25m ago2 min read
Pete Hegseth Says U.S. Won Historic Victory Over Iran as House Impeachment Advances
“More than 80% of their nuclear industrial base gone.”
“Hegseth stated he is ‘not worried’ about the proceedings.”
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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claims a historic victory over Iran. Articles of impeachment were introduced by Rep. Massie in the House.
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Impeachment and Iran War
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told reporters at a Tuesday morning press conference that the U.S. had achieved "a historic military victory" over Iran, as he faced a House impeachment resolution introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie.
Hegseth said, "More than 13,000 targets struck. Their navy sunk. Their air force grounded," while he defended his tenure as Pentagon chief and the ongoing U.S.-Israeli campaign against in Iran that began in February.
Hegseth also said, "He did not kick the can. He kicked their teeth in," as he referred to President Donald Trump.
The BBC reported that articles of impeachment were introduced on Monday by Thomas Massie, who said the defense secretary violated the constitution by not seeking approval for the war.
Hegseth Calls It Farce
Hegseth dismissed the impeachment effort as a "farce" and a "stunt" after the House of Representatives introduced articles of impeachment, and he said he was "not worried" about the proceedings. Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon that "What one disgruntled and defeated congressman is attempting is not oversight, and it’s not accountability," and he called it "It’s a political spectacle, a personal manifesto driven by ego and resentment."
President Donald Trump gave Hegseth’s statement an "A-plus" in a social media post, according to Al Jazeera. The House could vote on the articles of impeachment as soon as today, and the House would send the charges to the Senate for a trial under GOP leadership or next year when Democrats take control, according to Breaking Defense.
What Happens Next
Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth, and the resolution charged Hegseth with committing "high crimes and misdemeanors" and calling him "a threat to the Constitution if allowed to remain in office." Breaking Defense said Massie cited eight articles for impeachment centering on violations of the War Powers Resolution of 1973 related to military operations against Iran, and it also alleged suppressing free speech for retaliating on Sen Mark Kelly.
NewsNation said Speaker Mike Johnson supported Hegseth and called the impeachment effort "a political gambit for attention," while it said a floor vote was expected Tuesday evening. NewsNation also said conviction and removal would take a two-thirds vote, or 67 senators if all 100 vote, and it reported that Republicans hold 53 seats.