Hegseth calls impeachment bid a 'farce' as Trump backs defence chief after midterm losses

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the congressional impeachment effort against him as a political stunt on Tuesday, defending his record on military operations amid scrutiny over the Iran war. Hegseth rejected allegations from Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who accused him of violating the War Powers Resolution and misusing his office. He called the proceedings a "farce" and a "political spectacle," while President Trump publicly backed him with an "A PLUS, PLUS, PLUS" rating. The impeachment resolution, filed Monday, also challenges strikes in Yemen and against suspected drug smugglers. It follows Republican losses in the midterm elections, with Massie recently losing his primary to a Trump-backed candidate.