Pete Hegseth released a video message declaring he will fight congressional impeachment efforts and praised the ongoing war in Iran as a mission to halt Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Lawmakers are focusing their bipartisan criticism on his dismissal of senior military officers, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as his contentious relationship with Capitol Hill. Incoming Democratic majorities also plan to investigate military strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels in Latin American waters and his Ukraine policy. Despite rumors of a potential replacement, the Defense Department insists Hegseth will remain in his role through the end of President Donald Tru…
Key points
Hegseth faces bipartisan opposition that threatens the passage of a critical $1.5 trillio…: Hegseth faces bipartisan opposition that threatens the passage of a critical $1.5 trillion defense spending package.
Incoming Democratic congressional majorities have pledged to launch wide-ranging investig…: Incoming Democratic congressional majorities have pledged to launch wide-ranging investigations into multiple Pentagon operations and policies.
President Donald Trump continues to dismiss calls for Hegseth's removal, praising his act…: President Donald Trump continues to dismiss calls for Hegseth's removal, praising his actions in Venezuela and Iran.
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WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a video message on Thursday (Nov 5) vowing to fight efforts in Congress to impeach him and defending the Iran war as “courageous and historic” after voters punished Republicans over it in this week’s midterm elections.
Hegseth's remarks, posted on social media, came as taunts from his foes in Congress intensified and President Donald Trump swatted away questions about whether he might fire Hegseth. Trump has commended his Pentagon chief.
The top Democrat in the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, asked in a post: "Why is Pete Hegseth still around?"
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has been a polarising figure who has made enemies even within his own Republican Party. Critics in Congress are targeting his conduct of the Iran war, which Vice President JD Vance has said cost Republicans control of Congress, his firing of top military officers and strained relations with lawmakers as the administration seeks a US$1.5 trillion defence spending package.
Democrats, who won control of Congress in Tuesday's elections, have promised to investigate Hegseth and his handling of…
Troops entered the town of Biddu northwest of Jerusalem without advance warning, deploying tear gas and stun grenades to evict residents before razing their homes. The operations targeted twelve apartments in Area C, leaving families without shelter or the chance to salvage their personal belongings. Palestinian officials condemned the raid, warning that escalating demolitions and land clearances are systematically undermining the Palestinian presence surrounding Jerusalem.
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