Trump backs Hegseth despite impeachment push over Iran war
President Donald Trump strongly defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday amid impeachment articles filed by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, signaling he will not abandon his Pentagon chief despite political fallout from the Iran war. Trump praised Hegseth as a war winner, while Massie introduced eight impeachment articles accusing him of illegally waging war in Iran, ignoring civilian casualty laws, and overseeing extrajudicial killings. The defense secretary faces bipartisan criticism over a costly conflict that has alienated allies and triggered an energy crisis. Hegseth appears safe short-term since Senate conviction requires a two-thirds majority, but Massie predicts he may not finish the year. Trump's support could waver if Hegseth becomes a liability in dealing with a Democratic-controlled House.