US Defence Minister Pete Hegseth dismisses impeachment bid as ‘political theatre’

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday described efforts to impeach him over alleged abuse of authority during the war with Iran as a “political stunt” and an act of sabotage, claiming that such efforts were benefiting America’s adversaries.

He made these remarks during a press conference a day after Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced eight articles of impeachment against him.

Addressing reporters at his first Pentagon press conference since May, Hegseth said that previous impeachment attempts against President Donald Trump had ultimately failed. He stated, “Both times, he came back stronger, and the American people sent him back to the White House. Now they are trying for a third time, but this time against a member of his Cabinet.”

Hegseth further stated that those pursuing impeachment would fail again. He added, “If standing with President Trump means I am included among those they are targeting, then I am prepared to do so every single day.”

Strongly criticizing the impeachment proceedings, Hegseth said, “This is not patriotism. This is sabotage. These actions are giving our adversaries a propaganda victory.”

Defending the war against Iran, the US Defense Secretary said, “I fully support every one of these military operations. I was proud to carry them out, and if I had to do it again tomorrow, I would.”

Hegseth was also questioned about recent remarks by Vice President JD Vance, who suggested that the war with Iran was a major factor behind Republican losses in this month's midterm elections.

In response, Hegseth said that lessons would be learned from the conflict and applied in the future. However, he maintained that “this war was fought for the right reasons: to ensure that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons.”

Shortly after the press conference at the Pentagon concluded, President Donald Trump reiterated his strong support for Hegseth in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

In his post, Trump wrote that Pete Hegseth deserved an “A++++” for delivering what he described as an outstanding defense against Thomas Massie, whom he called an angry, disgruntled, and unsuccessful former congressman.