House to Vote on Hegseth Impeachment Next Week

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces an imminent vote on his removal from office. The House will consider an impeachment resolution during its next voting session next week. This procedural step follows the midterm elections, in which Democrats regained control of both the House and the Senate.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) introduced a privileged resolution to impeach Hegseth. Under House rules, such a measure must be debated and voted on in the upcoming session. Massie stated on X that he would not reintroduce the articles of impeachment only if Hegseth resigns.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly said Hegseth is doing a "very good job." However, members of both parties have signaled support for the impeachment effort. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) posted on X on Friday, citing the secretary's "incompetence" and "shameful and embarrassing episodes" as reasons for the move.

Hegseth responded to the criticism by releasing a video on Thursday. He described the effort as "political theater disguised as power." Hegseth said, "It didn't work with President Trump and it won't work with me. You can rest assured of that."

The timing of the vote creates a strategic dilemma for the White House. If Hegseth leaves before the lame-duck session ends, President Trump could potentially have a successor confirmed by the current Congress. In January, a new defense secretary would face a more difficult confirmation process in a Democratic-controlled Congress.