Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was scheduled to hold a news conference at the Pentagon on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, to address a resolution for his impeachment. The briefing, scheduled for 8 a.m. EST, marks the secretary's first formal news conference in approximately six months. The event follows the introduction of eight articles of impeachment by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) on Monday, Nov. 9.
The impeachment effort follows military activity in Iran and South America. Rep. Massie accused Hegseth of violating the U.S. Constitution and federal law by waging the Iran war without a declaration of war or statutory authorization. The articles also cite military strikes on suspected drug boats near South America and allegations of retaliation against Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). Hegseth defended his record on Monday, stating that opposition to his actions was "taking issue with the troops" and their "historic" accomplishments.
President Donald Trump defended Hegseth on Monday, characterizing Rep. Massie as a "loser" and stating that Hegseth should be praised for military victories in Venezuela and Iran. Conversely, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) described himself as a "hard yes" on the impeachment resolution, calling Hegseth the architect of a "failed war of choice." House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) argued against the move, stating that impeaching a cabinet secretary during active hostilities would negatively impact the perception of the U.S. among allies and enemies.
The impeachment push affects the leadership of the Department of Defense (referred to in some sources as the Department of War) and the administration's military operations in Iran, which have lasted nine months. The resolution impacts Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who faces potential removal from office if the House votes to impeach and the Senate convicts. Members of Congress are also weighing the decision following recent midterm election results that saw Republican losses attributed by some members to the war and rising energy prices.
The scale of the proceeding involves eight specific articles of impeachment. Under House rules, the chamber has two legislative days from the Monday introduction to schedule a vote. While Republicans currently hold the majority in both the House and Senate, at least three Republican votes would be required in the House to pass the measure if all Democrats vote in favor. A conviction in the Senate would require a two-thirds majority, necessitating more than a dozen Republican votes to join the Democratic minority.
If the resolution proceeds, the public would see a formal debate on the legality of the administration’s military actions. The immediate next steps include the House vote deadline this week and the transition to a Democrat-led Congress in January 2027. Rep. Massie said Monday he did not yet have a commitment from any other Republicans to support the resolution.