Trump urges Republicans to back Hegseth after impeachment filing

President Donald Trump urged congressional Republicans to defend Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after Representative Thomas Massie filed articles of impeachment Monday over the Iran war, accusing Hegseth of "high crimes and misdemeanors" including waging war without authorization and conducting extrajudicial killings. Massie's resolution triggers a two-day deadline for a House vote, though it could be referred to the Judiciary Committee; if it proceeds and passes, the Senate would hold a trial. Republicans hold majorities until January, but some lawmakers, facing Democratic control after midterm losses tied to the unpopular war, may support accountability. Trump called Massie a "total loser" on Truth Social, praising Hegseth's recruitment gains and military victories, while Hegseth dismissed critics as politically motivated. Massie predicted Hegseth won't last the year, and reports suggest White House officials, including incoming chief of staff Stephen Miller, may not vigorously defend him.