Trump Backs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Amid Republican Impeachment Push

US President Donald Trump has expressed full support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, praising him for what he described as victories in two wars involving Venezuela and Iran during his tenure.

Trump's endorsement comes as Republican Congressman Thomas Massie moves to introduce articles of impeachment against the defense secretary.

Speaking at a White House press conference, Trump firmly defended Hegseth, saying, "Yes, I stand with him. He won two wars. He was in charge of them."

Trump also criticized Massie, who is leading the impeachment effort. Describing the congressman as a failure, the president said Massie should not waste Congress's time.

Calling him an "absolute loser," Trump further described Massie as a sick person.

The impeachment initiative against Hegseth is primarily linked to the war involving Iran. The proposed articles also refer to Hegseth's role in US military operations in Yemen and Venezuela.

The US House of Representatives could vote on the impeachment proposal around the middle of this week.

Hegseth has announced plans to hold a press conference on Tuesday to address the impeachment threat. It will be his first press conference in more than six months. He has defended the war, describing it as necessary despite its lack of popularity.

Massie introduced the impeachment measure as the House began its first session following the midterm elections.

Meanwhile, US lawmakers are returning to Washington for just six weeks. The period is considered important for Republicans seeking to advance their political agenda before the party loses its House majority following the transition of power on January 3, 2027.

Earlier, speaking to reporters, Trump claimed that the war with Iran was effectively over from a military standpoint.

"We're just sort of keeping it where it is," he said.

Trump claimed that Iran's leadership had been effectively destroyed. However, he said he wanted a long-term solution to ensure that the country's nuclear program would never again pose a threat.

Following major Democratic victories in the US midterm elections, Trump's latest remarks represent his clearest indication so far that he is stepping back from threats to launch further attacks against Iran.