Hegseth defies impeachment threat over Iran war handling

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed a renewed House impeachment effort as "sham articles" in a defiant social media video Thursday, responding to Republican Rep. Thomas Massie's plan to reintroduce articles when lawmakers return Monday. Massie, who lost his GOP primary, urged President Trump to replace Hegseth, citing the Iran war and Democratic midterm wins. Hegseth said he would resign only if forced, while Trump publicly praised him but privately consulted allies on potential successors. House Democrats, including likely next Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, support ousting Hegseth. Impeachment requires Republican support; only two Cabinet officials have ever been impeached in U.S. history, with no Senate convictions.