US Secretary of War Describes Congressional Efforts to Impeach Him as a 'Political Farce' - Sarmad

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Tuesday described attempts 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 efforts led by U.S. Representative Thomas Massie to push for his removal, stating that these moves “are not based on high crimes and misdemeanors, treason, or bribery, but are driven by political disagreements,” and characterized potential impeachment proceedings as a “political festival.”

He added that the attempt to remove him constitutes an “attack on American military personnel,” affirming that the military 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 described as “legitimate and successful” would send a “wrong message” to Iran and U.S. adversaries, implying that Washington “punishes its fighters and commanders for performing their military duties.”

The Defense Secretary reaffirmed his continued support for the U.S. armed forces and his commitment to defending 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 objectives 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 remain prepared to counter any Iranian attempts to rebuild its military capabilities, reiterating that the sanctions remain “strict.”

He pointed out that U.S. President Donald Trump did not delay action against the Iranian threat but instead ordered a strike described as “decisive,” considering the military operations “necessary.”

Hegseth criticized U.S. media outlets, accusing them of “failing to acknowledge the military success achieved by the United States in Iran.”

Republican Representative Thomas Massie had previously introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Monday, alleging abuse of power regarding the military operations against Iran, with a vote on the measure expected by Wednesday.

Massie accused the Defense Secretary of abusing his authority through his conduct during the conflict with Iran, claiming he “deliberately executed unlawful 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 contrary to his duties and the rule of law.”

The controversy surrounding Hegseth follows the Democrats’ victory in securing majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate in a landslide win during the midterm elections, where they achieved historic gains in key states such as Texas, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, and Maine.