Dissatisfaction with Hegseth grows in the U.S. Congress: defense secretary faces impeachment

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may face a new impeachment attempt and large-scale investigations into Pentagon activities after the midterm elections to Congress, scheduled for November 3. Dissatisfaction with his leadership is expressed not only by Democrats, but also by some representatives of the Republican Party.

This was reported by Bloomberg on October 30, citing American lawmakers and administration officials.

The main subject of complaints against Hegseth is the US war against Iran, which began in February 2026. Congressmen demand explanations regarding its legality, cost, military losses, and decisions of the Pentagon leadership.

Republican Thomas Massie intends to make a new attempt to initiate impeachment. He plans to re-introduce a corresponding resolution in the House of Representatives after Congress returns to work in November.

Massie already made such an attempt in September, accusing the Defense Secretary of conducting military operations against Iran without necessary congressional authorization. His prepared resolution contains eight articles of impeachment, including alleged violations of war powers legislation.

According to Roll Call, the congressman intends to achieve a vote during the week starting November 9 if Hegseth remains in office by then.

Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, also calls for holding the head of the Pentagon accountable. If Democrats gain a majority in the elections, they can initiate additional parliamentary investigations and hearings.

Dissatisfaction with the secretary is also expressed by some Republicans. Senator Tom Tillis, who is leaving Congress, previously called his decisive vote for Hegseth's confirmation in 2025 the biggest regret of his political career.

Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Republican Roger Wicker, also criticized the insufficient briefings of lawmakers on important decisions of the defense department.

Additional pressure on the secretary comes from rising costs of the war with Iran. According to a Pentagon estimate obtained by Bloomberg Government, military operations had cost US taxpayers $47.1 billion by October 16. In early September, the cost was estimated at $43.6 billion.

However, this amount does not include expenditures for the restoration of US military bases damaged by Iranian attacks.

Democratic Senator Jack Reed said that 21 US service members have been killed during the conflict, and more than 850 have been wounded. If Democrats win a Senate majority, Reed could chair the Armed Services Committee and increase oversight of Pentagon actions.

In addition to the war with Iran, lawmakers are interested in large-scale personnel changes in the US military. During Hegseth's leadership, numerous generals and admirals have left their posts, and the reasons for some dismissals have not been publicly explained.

Democrats also consider the possibility of reviewing defense contracts, including deals with companies associated with the 1789 Capital investment fund, in which Donald Trump Jr. has invested.

Even a successful impeachment vote does not mean automatic removal of the secretary. A simple majority in the House is enough to bring charges. Removal from office requires the support of two-thirds of senators present following a trial.

US President Donald Trump continues to publicly support Hegseth. On October 29, he positively assessed the secretary's work and criticized attempts to achieve his impeachment.

The White House told Bloomberg that it expects new attacks on the secretary from Congress, but does not consider them a serious threat. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized that the department is focused on strengthening the armed forces and providing the military with necessary resources.

The further fate of the initiative will depend on the results of the November 3 midterm elections and the position of Republicans. Even if the impeachment proceedings do not result in Hegseth's removal, Congress may increase oversight of military spending, personnel decisions, and the activities of Pentagon leadership.