The House Democratic leader announced his support during an ABC interview, as Republican Congressman Thomas Massie prepares to introduce the resolution on November 9.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Sunday that he supports an impeachment resolution against U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, opening another potential political confrontation between Congress and President Donald Trump’s administration.
During an interview on ABC’s This Week on November 8, Jeffries was asked whether Democrats would support a resolution that Republican Representative Thomas Massie intends to introduce against Hegseth.
Jeffries gave an unequivocal answer.
“I’m a hard yes on the Hegseth resolution,” he said.
The Democratic leader added that he expects strong support for the measure among Democratic lawmakers when they meet in Washington.
Jeffries accuses Hegseth of abusing his authority
During the interview, Jeffries accused Hegseth of abusing his power and undermining U.S. national security.
He also blamed the defense secretary for what he characterized as a costly and unnecessary war with Iran, arguing that the conflict had increased pressure on American households through higher prices.
“Pete Hegseth has got to go,” Jeffries said.
His comments represent a significant escalation in the Democrats’ criticism of the Pentagon leadership as the party prepares to assume control of Congress.
Jeffries also made clear that the new Democratic majority intends to use its congressional authority to scrutinize the administration.
A Republican is preparing the impeachment resolution
The proposed resolution is notable because it is being advanced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie, rather than originating exclusively from Democratic lawmakers.
Massie has indicated that he intends to introduce the measure on November 9.
Jeffries said Democrats would discuss the resolution when lawmakers reconvene in Washington on Tuesday morning, November 10, and expressed confidence that it would receive substantial support within his party.
The introduction of a resolution does not automatically result in impeachment. It must go through the congressional process, and any successful impeachment effort would face further constitutional and political hurdles.
Iran war becomes a central issue in the Washington confrontation
The dispute over Hegseth is closely connected to the wider debate surrounding the U.S. war with Iran.
Jeffries argued that the conflict has increased costs for Americans and created additional national-security risks.
During the same ABC interview, he outlined several priorities for the incoming Democratic congressional majority, including ending the war with Iran, reversing Trump’s tariffs, restoring Medicaid funding, reversing SNAP cuts and extending Affordable Care Act tax credits.
These issues are expected to become major points of conflict between Congress and the White House.
Democrats prepare for a more confrontational Congress
Jeffries also said Democrats intend to increase oversight of the administration and pursue accountability where they believe misconduct has occurred.
He emphasized that investigations should follow the facts, apply the law and remain guided by the Constitution.
The Democratic leader said the party would work aggressively during the first 100 days of the new Congress to pursue its policy priorities.
However, Democrats will still face political and procedural obstacles. President Trump retains veto authority, and the outcome of the proposed impeachment resolution remains uncertain.
What happens next?
The next major development is expected on November 9, when Massie plans to introduce the resolution.
Congressional Democrats will then face a decision over how strongly to support the effort and whether it can advance through the House.
For Hegseth, the announcement represents a new challenge as the administration confronts a Congress that will soon be controlled by Democrats.
US & GLOBAL REPORT will continue following the impeachment proposal and the response from the Pentagon and White House.
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