US President Donald Trump said he will continue to support Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, even if the House of Representatives impeaches him. The American leader came to the defense of the Pentagon chief after a formal filing in Congress of a resolution with eight articles of accusation.
This was reported by ABC News and CNN.
While speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, November 9, CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins asked Trump if he would support Hegseth in the event of impeachment.
"Yes, I will support him", – the US president replied.
Trump also praised the defense secretary, saying he played an important role in military operations against Iran and in Venezuela.
"He won two wars. He led them. We all won. I had great people", – the American president said.
At the same time, Trump sharply criticized Republican congressman Thomas Massie, who initiated the impeachment proceedings, calling him a "loser".
Later, the president published a post on Truth Social, in which he called on American legislators to support the Pentagon chief. In Trump's opinion, Hegseth deserves approval for the results of his work, not impeachment.
"Congress, stand up for Pete!" – Trump wrote.
The president's statement came after Thomas Massie officially presented a resolution on Hegseth's impeachment in the House of Representatives on November 9. The document contains eight articles of accusation, including charges over conducting a war against Iran without proper authorization from Congress and possible overreach of authority during military operations.
Massie claims that the Trump administration and the Pentagon chief violated legislative requirements for conducting military actions. According to him, these circumstances are grounds for holding the secretary accountable.
Now the House of Representatives has to consider the initiative within two legislative days – until November 11. A simple majority of votes is required to approve impeachment. At the same time, Republican leadership may try to stop the consideration of the resolution through a procedural vote.
Even if the House of Representatives supports impeachment, this will not mean automatic removal of Hegseth. The final decision on his removal from office would require the support of two-thirds of senators.
Earlier, "Kurs Ukrainy" reported on Hegseth's reaction to the threat of impeachment and his intention to hold a press conference at the Pentagon on November 10.
Based on materials from: ABC News, CNN, Donald Trump's Truth Social
