Trump and Rubio Back Hegseth as Impeachment Push Advances in US House

Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced eight articles of impeachment against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the House of Representatives on Monday, November 9, 2026. The charges mainly concern the conduct of the war against Iran and other US military operations, and allege violations of a 1973 law and the US Constitution. A House vote could take place by Wednesday, November 11, though the process is considered unlikely to succeed.

President Donald Trump defended Hegseth in a press interview on Monday, saying he would stand by the defense secretary if the House approves impeachment. Trump described Massie as a "stone cold loser" and also attacked the reporter who asked the question, calling her and CNN losers. On Truth Social, Trump called Hegseth perhaps the most popular and successful military officer in the country and cited two victories, in Venezuela and Iran.

“Impeaching Pete Hegseth is unfair. Pete's done a good job.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly backed Hegseth, calling the impeachment move unfair and praising his professionalism and work ethic. Rubio said he works with Hegseth almost every day and has seen a side of him that the media and Senate members cannot see. He added that Hegseth has taken responsibility for many government policy issues.

Trump also pointed to historically high military recruitment under his administration, contrasting it with historically low levels under former President Joe Biden. He urged Congress to defend Hegseth and said the defense secretary deserves praise rather than impeachment.

The White House previously stated that Trump intends to keep Hegseth in his position. The impeachment process could lead to a Senate trial on Hegseth's removal, but Republican sources indicate it has minimal chances of succeeding.