Republican lawmaker moves to force impeachment vote on Pentagon chief Hegseth

Republican Representative Thomas Massie plans to force a House vote on impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth next week, following the Republicans' decisive loss in the US midterm elections. President Donald Trump publicly backed Hegseth on Wednesday, saying he is doing a very good job. Republicans criticize Hegseth for allegedly exaggerating prospects of military success against Iran and pushing Trump to attack despite stalled progress. Massie's impeachment resolution, introduced in September, accuses Hegseth of starting war actions without congressional approval and may gain a House majority. Trump is privately consulting advisors about Hegseth's future, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis mentioned as a potential successor. Democrats plan investigations into the Iran war and other actions, while the Pentagon denies wrongdoing and Hegseth intends to remain in office until January 2029.