Johnny Bivera / U.S. Navy / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
WASHINGTON – Pete Hegseth rejected Rep. Thomas Massie’s impeachment push at a Pentagon briefing Tuesday, calling it a “political spectacle” and a “stunt” and saying he would continue to stand with President Donald Trump.
“What one disgruntled and defeated congressman is attempting is not oversight and it’s not accountability,” Hegseth said in the public recording of the briefing. “It’s a political spectacle, a personal manifesto driven by ego and resentment.”
Hegseth’s comments were his response to the effort to remove him, not a finding about Massie’s motives or the merits of the impeachment allegations. He also called the effort “a farce” and “a stunt.”
Massie, a Kentucky Republican, filed an eight-article impeachment resolution Monday. Tuesday’s remarks did not announce a House vote result.
Hegseth argued that the dispute was over policy rather than impeachable conduct. “The proper remedy for a policy disagreement, it’s legislation, it’s debate, it’s the next presidential election,” he said.
That is Hegseth’s defense of his position. His description does not settle the constitutional or legal questions raised by the resolution, which are for Congress to consider.
Comparing the effort against him to Trump’s past impeachments, Hegseth predicted: “They will fail again.” He added: “If standing with President Trump puts me in that company, I’ll take that company every day of the week.”
Trump had publicly backed Hegseth on Monday, saying he would stand by him. Tuesday’s briefing put Hegseth’s own response on the record as the impeachment effort moved through the House.
The next issue is what action the House takes on the resolution. Hegseth’s prediction of defeat is not a vote count, and his remarks do not establish the outcome of the proceeding.
JBizNews Desk | Washington
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