Jeffries calls for Hegseth's exit but avoids impeachment vote
The incoming House Speaker says Democrats will push war powers resolutions and investigations, but he says the caucus must decide on removing the Defense Secretary.
By Sofia Ramirez ·
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on Friday that Democrats will not wait for the new Congress to begin before acting on the war in Iran. The New York Democrat, who is expected to become the next Speaker of the House, stated that his party intends to pass a war powers resolution to force President Donald Trump to end the conflict. Jeffries described the war as a "war of choice" that has driven up the costs of gas, diesel, and fertilizer.
If the resolution passes, it will reach the President's desk for his decision. Jeffries noted that overriding a veto requires two-thirds majorities in both chambers, a threshold Democrats do not currently hold in either house. He said the American people have spoken and that the new leadership should act immediately rather than delaying until the formal start of the new session.
Jeffries also addressed the potential impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has threatened to force a House vote on eight articles of impeachment unless Hegseth resigns. When asked directly if Hegseth should be impeached, Jeffries said he did not want to get out ahead of the caucus. He added that Hegseth "has got to go" and called him the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history.
The incoming Speaker said the House Judiciary and Oversight committees would investigate alleged wrongdoing by the Trump administration. He defended the party's recent performance by noting that Democrats had battled Trump on every issue and decisively defeated him in the recent elections. Jeffries said the decision on the next speaker rests with the House Democratic Caucus.
In a video response to the impeachment threats, Hegseth called the move political theater designed to destroy opponents. He stated that the strategy did not work against President Trump and would not work against him. Jeffries said Democrats will have the conversation on impeachment when they gather as a caucus immediately upon their return.
Jeffries said the party will focus on making life more affordable while holding officials accountable. He criticized Republican colleagues for acting as a rubber stamp for the President's agenda. He emphasized that Democrats must follow the facts and apply the law as a separate and co-equal branch of government.
