US Secretary of War Describes Congressional Attempts to Impeach and Remove Him as a 'Political Farce'

Washington -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Tuesday described efforts to impeach and remove him from office in Congress as a “political farce,” asserting that they target the U.S. military establishment and seek to politicize the armed forces in the wake of U.S. military operations against Iran. Speaking at a press conference at the Pentagon, Hegseth addressed impeachment efforts led by U.S. Representative Thomas Massie, stating that these moves “are not based on high crimes and misdemeanors or treason or bribery, but are driven by political disagreements,” and characterized potential impeachment hearings as a “political festival.” He added that the attempt to remove him represents “an attack on American military personnel,” affirming that the operations against Iran were “legal” and that he bears responsibility for them and stands behind them, vowing not to apologize for actions taken by U.S. forces. He warned that punishing military leaders for carrying out operations he described as “legitimate and successful” would send the “wrong message” to Iran and U.S. adversaries, namely that Washington “punishes its fighters and commanders for performing their military duties.” He reaffirmed the administration’s continued support for the U.S. armed forces and its defense of the military establishment. Hegseth stated that the United States “did not start the war against Iran,” noting that Tehran “initiated the confrontation 47 years ago,” and emphasized that the operation, dubbed “Epic Fury,” achieved a “historic military victory by every measure.” He explained that U.S. forces targeted more than 13,000 sites in less than 40 days of combat against Iran, sinking the Iranian naval fleet, and noted that Iran’s military capabilities “have been destroyed” and that the imposed sanctions “are achieving their objectives.” He added that Washington would continue to monitor Iran “closely” across various levels and would be prepared to counter any Iranian attempts to rebuild its military capabilities, stressing that the sanctions “remain stringent.” He pointed out that U.S. President Donald Trump had not delayed action on the Iranian threat but instead launched a strike he described as “decisive,” considering the military operations “necessary.” Hegseth criticized U.S. media outlets, accusing them of “failing to acknowledge the military success the United States achieved in Iran.” Republican Representative Thomas Massie had introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Monday in the House of Representatives, alleging abuse of power in connection with the military operations against Iran, with a vote expected by Wednesday. Massie accused the Secretary of Defense of abusing his authority through his conduct during the war with Iran, stating that he “deliberately carried out illegal orders to wage war against a foreign state.” The representative, who will soon leave office, added that “Hegseth has demonstrated through his behavior that he will remain a threat to the Constitution if he remains in office, acting in a manner completely inconsistent with his duties and the rule of law.” The controversy surrounding Hegseth follows the Democrats’ victory in gaining majorities in both the House and the Senate in a landslide during the midterm elections, where they achieved historic gains in key states such as Texas, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, and Maine. (End) A.M.M. / M.A.A.