The so-called secretary of defense has abused his power, undermined our national security, and engineered this reckless and costly war of choice in Iran, which has skyrocketed prices on the American people and made the country less safe," Jeffries told ABC's 'This Week'.Deep DiveAlso Read | Pete Hegseth faces Republican heat as Iran war blamed for midterm routJeffries appeared confident that House Democrats will join him in supporting the potential resolution to oust Hegseth after a discussion on Tuesday morning when members will convene in Washington for the first time since the elections, adding that Hegseth has "got to go."Democrats have promised to investigate Hegseth, including his handling of the Iran war, purges of top military officers, Ukraine policy, strikes on ⁠suspected drug trafficking boats in Latin America, which could amount to war crimes.Republican Congressman seeks to impeach HegsethMeanwhile, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, the outgoing lawmaker who has often clashed with Trump, said last week that he will “definitely” reintroduce articles of impeachment when the House reconvenes.

Massie also suggested that Trump fire Hegseth quickly so the Senate could confirm his successor before the Democrats take control in January.Massie told ABC News that he intends to reintroduce a privileged resolution to impeach Hegseth as early as Monday. His resolution contains eight articles of impeachment against the secretary of defence, accusing him of violating the War Powers Resolution of 1973, in addition to other alleged offences.Earlier, Republican US Senator Thom Tillis told CBS News that Hegseth had a reckoning coming after the midterm rout.

Tillis said Hegseth's strained relationship with lawmakers was undermining the Trump administration's push for a $1.5 trillion defence spending package in Congress.Trump backs Hegseth amid backlashAmid growing pressure on Hegseth, Trump has publicly defended the Pentagon chief, saying he has done a "fantastic job."The US President told reporters in Florida on Sunday that Hegseth was crucial to “basically winning two wars” - the Iran war and the US military action that removed Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro from power. "And what are we going to do with one of the guys that was most responsible? They want to impeach him," he added.Hegseth also defended himself last week, saying "politics of destruction" won't work with him."A disgruntled, defeated congressman, along with all his Democrat allies, has also dropped sham articles of impeachment against yours truly, just like they tried against President Trump twice.

It's all about the politics of personal destruction — didn't work against President Trump, and it won't work with me," he said in a social media post.(with inputs from Bloomberg)Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs.

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Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read MorePete HegsethHakeem JeffriesGet the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries along with latest US midterm elections update. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.