Hegseth Vows ‘We Will Not Back Down’ as Pressure Mounts Over His Job

Hegseth spoke in a video recorded outside the Department of War on Nov. 5. He cast the criticism as a political campaign.

“They attack me. It’s not going to work,” he said. “We will not back down.”

He then pointed to the impeachment push against him. “Impeachment didn’t work with President Trump. It won’t work with me,” he said.

The remarks came as his position faces its toughest test since taking office. Democrats and some Republicans blame him for the Iran war and its costs.

Defiance Tied to Trump

Hegseth framed his stance as loyalty to the president. “President Trump’s War Department has never been afraid to lead the way,” he said.

“Just like the president, we don’t back down, and that especially applies now,” he added. He also said “patriots are now in control” of the Pentagon.

He accused Democrats and “deep-state radicals” of hating his team for ending diversity programs. He called DEI “a Marxist ideology built to destroy us.”

Pressure After Midterm Losses

Trump is reportedly weighing whether to replace Hegseth and has asked allies to suggest successors. He earlier asked advisers whether Hegseth should stay after heavy Republican midterm losses.

Publicly, Trump has defended him. “I have every intention to keep him,” Trump told ABC News on Thursday.

Rep. Thomas Massie plans to force a House impeachment vote next week. Some critics say the White House is looking for someone to blame for the war.