Hegseth Faces Bipartisan Reckoning Over Iran War After Midterms

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces mounting pressure from Republicans and Democrats preparing to demand accountability for the Iran war after next week’s midterm elections, with a renewed impeachment attempt among the threats confronting him.

Lawmakers have challenged the Pentagon’s disclosure of war spending and Hegseth’s dismissal of senior commanders.

Democrats are seeking his departure, while Republican critics are questioning decisions made by a defense secretary who retains President Donald Trump’s backing.

Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie plans to revive an impeachment motion when the House returns after the elections, according to Bloomberg.

His case centers on the administration’s decision to wage war against Iran without congressional authorization.

Impeachment Push

Massie introduced a motion in September that would have compelled a vote.

After losing his primary because Trump supported a challenger, he argues that other Republicans nearing the end of their terms may be more willing to confront the White House.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has promised that his party will “run Pete Hegseth out of town” if it wins control of the chamber.

A Democratic House would probably approve impeachment, but removing Hegseth would require conviction by two-thirds of senators present at a trial.

That threshold makes his ouster unlikely without substantial Republican support.

His congressional difficulties extend beyond Democrats.

Retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis has described his decisive vote to confirm Hegseth in 2025 as the “biggest regret” of his career.

Roger Wicker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has also criticized the Pentagon’s communication about major decisions.

War Spending and Military Firings

An estimate obtained by Bloomberg Government put the war’s cost at $47.1 billion as of October 16, compared with $43.6 billion in early September.

The figure excludes damage to U.S. bases in the region.

Democratic Senator Jack Reed said 21 American service members had been killed and more than 850 wounded.

Reed would chair the Senate Armed Services Committee if Democrats win the chamber.

Hegseth has also drawn criticism for removing dozens of generals and admirals without detailed explanations.

Georgia Republican Austin Scott challenged him over the dismissal of Army chief of staff General Randy George, warning that removing officers for candid advice could damage the wider officer corps.

Other disputes include Hegseth’s effort to demote Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, after Kelly and other veteran lawmakers urged military personnel to reject illegal orders.

Trump Maintains Support

Trump defended his defense secretary on Thursday, telling reporters: “He’s doing a great job.”

A White House official said the administration anticipated congressional attacks on Hegseth and was unconcerned.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the department remained focused on military strength and equipping U.S. forces.

Beyond impeachment, Democrats have threatened investigations into defense contractors backed by Donald Trump Jr.’s venture capital firm, 1789 Capital, and government equity stakes in shipyards and other contracts.

Hegseth would face that scrutiny with weak public approval. A Quinnipiac University poll last month found 32% of registered voters approved of his performance and 57% disapproved.

Among independents, disapproval reached 65%.