Hakeem Jeffries, the soon-to-be House Speaker and leader of the Democrats, has signaled a focused effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth both at the year’s end and when the new Congress is inaugurated in January.
During a recent interview on ABC’s This Week, Jeffries stated, “I’m a hard yes on the Hegseth resolution. The so-called secretary of defense has abused his power, undermined our national security, and engineered this reckless and costly war of choice in Iran, which has skyrocketed prices on the American people and made the country less safe. Pete Hegseth has got to go,” he emphasized.
Jeffries also noted that discussions regarding the impeachment resolution will take place this Tuesday when Congress members return following the November elections. He anticipates “incredibly strong support” from his party, although outright unanimous agreement is not assured.
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JUST IN: SecWar Pete Hegseth is about to face IMPEACHMENT and Hakeem Jeffries just confirmed he's a "HARD YES" on the resolution
"I believe there will be incredibly strong support for the resolution."
"I'm a hard yes on the Hegseth resolution…he has abused his… pic.twitter.com/HnfXLX0hp2
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 8, 2026
The impeachment resolution is projected to be reintroduced by outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) by year’s end. Previously, Massie filed multiple articles against Hegseth in September for alleged violations of the War Powers Resolution related to military actions in Iran, among other accusations. This initiative didn’t advance to a floor vote due to early adjournment.
Massie has asserted his intention to reintroduce the resolution as soon as Monday or during the first week of the upcoming lame-duck session starting around November 9, unless Hegseth resigns. Under House Rule IX, such resolutions require scheduling by the Speaker within two legislative days.
Massie believes the resolution’s chances stand above 50% in the current Republican-controlled House, thanks to expected Democratic backing and the potential for some Republicans, whose campaigns have concluded, to support it. He underscored that Hegseth’s resignation could hinder the resolution’s reintroduction.
If the House approves the resolution during the lame-duck session, it would initiate impeachment proceedings and advance to the Senate for trial while Republicans hold control until early January.
After their success in the November 2026 midterms, Democrats will take charge in both the House and Senate, convening on January 3. With their majority, they could pursue impeachment actions through standard procedures instead of relying solely on a privileged resolution.
Jeffries and fellow Democrats assert their commitment to seeking “accountability” for Hegseth if he remains in office, including oversight measures available to the majority.
According to the Constitution, impeachment power lies solely with the House concerning the President, Vice President, and civil officers, which encompasses cabinet members. Impeachment necessitates a simple majority on at least one charge of “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” If any article passes, the official is impeached.
This case would then proceed to the Senate for trial, chaired by the Vice President or the President pro tempore, rather than the Chief Justice. Conviction and removal require a two-thirds majority among present senators.
No cabinet secretary has faced conviction or removal post-impeachment in Senate history. Notable instances include the 1876 impeachment of Secretary of War William Belknap, who resigned before the trial and was acquitted, and the 2024 impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, which the Senate declined to pursue.
