Jeffries Backs Hegseth Impeachment as Democrats Prepare Expansive Investigations

Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, announced his explicit support for impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, affirming in an interview on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" on Sunday that he is "an unwavering supporter of the Hegseth removal." Jeffries added that the defense secretary allegedly abused authority, undermined national security, and engineered a reckless and costly war in Iran.

"I believe this motion will receive overwhelming support," Jeffries said. The measure was introduced by outgoing Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky.

The announcement came after Democrats won majorities in both the House and Senate in November's midterm elections, described by observers as the party's largest House gains in over half a century. Jeffries is slated to assume the speakership in the incoming Congress.

Representative Robert Garcia formally announced his candidacy for chair of the House Oversight Committee, known for its broad authority to subpoena witnesses and documents. Garcia indicated that Stephen Miller's role, appointed as White House staff director, warrants investigation as the "architect of this unjust immigration policy."

Garcia also expressed interest in investigating businessman Elon Musk's role in the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), which has led to widespread layoffs among federal employees and compromised their personal data.

In response, Attorney General Todd Blanche declared on CNN that he is prepared to counter Democratic efforts, stating: "If that is what the incoming new leadership wants, we are ready." President Trump wrote on Truth Social that Democrats "should go to jail."