HEGSETH CALLS IMPEACHMENT PUSH A ‘FARCE’ AS TRUMP BACKS HIM

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected efforts to impeach him, describing the move as a political stunt while defending military operations carried out under President Donald Trump.

“It’s a farce, and it’s a stunt, and everybody knows it,” Hegseth said during a Pentagon press conference on Tuesday.

Republican congressman Thomas Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment accusing the defence secretary of authorising military action without congressional approval and abusing his powers.

The allegations cover operations in Iran and Yemen, strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, and efforts to punish Senator Mark Kelly over calls for military personnel to refuse unlawful orders.

Hegseth denied wrongdoing and said he stood by his decisions.

“I stand behind every one of these operations. I was proud to execute them, and I would do it again tomorrow,” he said.

He also argued that the impeachment effort unfairly cast doubt on the service of American troops involved in the operations.

Trump publicly backed Hegseth shortly after the briefing, giving him an “A PLUS, PLUS, PLUS” in a social media post.

The impeachment push follows Republican losses in the midterm elections, which Trump has acknowledged were influenced partly by the Iran war.

The House is expected to consider the matter while Republicans still hold their narrow majority, before newly elected lawmakers take office in January.

A majority vote in the House would impeach Hegseth, but removing him from office would require a two-thirds vote in the Senate.

Massie’s allegations have not resulted in a conviction. Hegseth maintains that his record reflects the administration’s national security achievements and says he is ready to defend it before Congress.