‘This Is Sabotage’: Pete Hegseth Hits Back at Impeachment Push and Defends Trump’s Iran War

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has described a Republican-led impeachment effort against him as “sabotage” and denied wrongdoing over the Trump administration’s Iran war.

Speaking at the Pentagon on Nov. 10, Hegseth defended his role in the military campaign after Republican Representative Thomas Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment accusing him of abusing his authority.

“This is not patriotism. This is sabotage,” Hegseth told reporters, arguing that the effort sends a damaging message to America’s enemies by suggesting military leaders could be punished for making national security decisions.

The confrontation comes as the House prepares to consider Massie’s resolution, highlighting growing divisions among Republicans over President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran.

Why Is Pete Hegseth Facing Impeachment?

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Nov. 9, accusing the defense secretary of committing “high crimes and misdemeanors.”

Four articles concern the Iran war. Three accuse Hegseth of directing and continuing military operations without congressional authorization and beyond the 60-day limit under the War Powers Resolution. Another alleges he failed to comply with laws intended to minimize civilian casualties, citing a Feb. 28 strike on a girls’ school in Minab, Iran, that killed scores of children.

Other allegations concern military operations in Venezuela and Yemen, strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels and alleged retaliation against Democratic Senator Mark Kelly over his constitutionally protected speech.

These are allegations contained in Massie’s resolution and have not been established as findings of wrongdoing.

The impeachment effort is significant because Massie belongs to Trump’s Republican Party but has repeatedly opposed key decisions by the president. He is also leaving Congress after losing his Republican primary to a Trump-backed challenger.

The House is expected to consider a procedural motion to dismiss the resolution before proceeding to a debate and vote on the impeachment articles. If the resolution advances, removing Hegseth would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate to convict him.

Hegseth Shows No Signs of Turning Against Trump’s Iran War

Hegseth did not distance himself from Trump’s military decisions during his Nov. 10 news conference.

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

He argued that the conflict was necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He added that disagreements over military policy should be addressed through legislation, congressional debate, and elections.

Hegseth also argued that the impeachment effort could undermine American troops and provide the country’s enemies with an opportunity to question the legitimacy of military operations.

The Iran conflict has become increasingly problematic for the Trump administration. Beginning on Feb. 28, the war has disrupted shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, contributed to higher oil prices, and raised questions about the financial and military costs of the campaign.

The conflict has also become a major political issue following Republican losses in the November 2026 midterm elections.

Vice President JD Vance publicly blamed the Iran war for the party’s electoral defeat, saying it was the reason Republicans lost control of Congress. Hegseth acknowledged the political fallout without publicly turning against the vice president.

Trump Defends His Defense Secretary

Trump has openly supported Hegseth, arguing that he deserves praise rather than impeachment.

The president defended his defense secretary on Monday, urging congressional Republicans to stand behind him while criticizing Massie’s attempt to remove him.

Hegseth’s Pentagon appearance was also notable because it was his first news conference at the department since May.

For now, he has made clear that he intends to remain in office and continue defending Trump’s military decisions. The House proceedings will determine whether Massie’s impeachment effort advances, but the confrontation has exposed growing Republican divisions over the Iran war and the limits of presidential military authority.