House Democrats Prep Hegseth Removal Vote for Days After Midterms

Washington politics often move on their own schedule, but the upcoming midterms are set to dictate the next steps for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. House Democrats are preparing to impeach the secretary, a move that could begin within days of the Nov. 3 elections.

The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Democratic leaders are finalizing the groundwork for the process. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries signaled the party's intent at a Pennsylvania rally earlier this month. He stated, "One of the first things we're going to do in the majority, we're going to run Pete Hegseth out of town."

Criticism of Hegseth has grown sharp among Democratic lawmakers. Rep. Pramila Jayapal called him "incompetent and, frankly, corrupt" in a CNN interview. Rep. Jared Huffman used even stronger language, describing the secretary as an "unhinged fanatic who should be impeached and removed from office."

The push for removal is not limited to the minority party. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie filed articles of impeachment in September. Massie accused Hegseth of abusing his office by executing orders for hostilities against Iran without congressional approval. He intends to force a vote on Nov. 9, the first day the House returns to session after the elections.

The timing of the political pressure coincides with a recent diplomatic development. Hegseth held a covert meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ovda air base on Monday. This meeting took place days before Israel's election. Two sources confirmed the event to Walla, and Reuters reported that Hegseth acknowledged the visit without detailing the conversation.

According to KAN News, the primary topic of discussion at the Ovda base meeting was Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reportedly attended the sit-down. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior Israeli officials were not invited, citing confidentiality reasons.