Hegseth Says He Would Repeat Operations as House Weighs Impeachment

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) advanced articles accusing the defense secretary of waging an illegal war and committing war crimes. Hegseth dismissed the effort as a partisan “show trial,” arguing that no secretary of war or defense had been impeached for conducting lawful military operations. The allegations, however, concern operations the articles describe as unlawful.

The articles allege Hegseth dismantled rules of engagement meant to limit civilian casualties and oversaw extrajudicial killings through the bombing of suspected drug-trafficking vessels in international waters. Hegseth expressed no regret, including over the US attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran, which the source says killed more than 150 people, including over 100 children.

He compared the impeachment effort with the two impeachments of President Donald Trump, both of which ended without a conviction. Hegseth also said Democrats would target service members who carried out his orders, adding: “If they want to come for the warriors, they’re going to have to come through me.” Trump praised Hegseth’s defense in a Thursday social media post.

Jan-Albert Hootsen, Mexico representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists’ Americas program, said the allegations were serious and likely warranted prosecution. He said Hegseth had ordered the extrajudicial execution of more than 100 Latin Americans and argued that dismissal alone would not constitute accountability.

The House was scheduled to hold a procedural vote on Tuesday. If a majority voted to advance the articles, a debate and final vote on impeachment were expected on Wednesday.