Hegseth rejects impeachment push, defends Iran war record

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday denounced impeachment articles filed by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, calling the effort a political stunt and defending his leadership in the Iran war and other operations. Hegseth, in his first Pentagon press conference in six months, dismissed the eight articles as driven by "ego and resentment," rejecting accusations of unauthorized warfare, extrajudicial killings in Caribbean boat strikes, and suppression of free speech. Massie filed the articles after losing his primary, with Democrats poised to back impeachment. The House votes Tuesday on a procedural motion that could advance the resolution to a full vote this week. Hegseth warned the push signals weakness to enemies, while President Trump praised him as an "A PLUS" defender.