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Jeffries calls for Hegseth's removal, stops short of backing impeachment
The Democratic leader said his caucus would discuss impeachment after its midterm victories, while Republican Thomas Massie threatened a vote unless Hegseth resigns.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's removal but stopped short of supporting impeachment proceedings, according to [NPR](https://www.npr.org/2026/11/06/nx-s1-6030799/democrats-ran-on-affordability-how-will-the-party-make-it-happen). Jeffries said House Democrats would discuss impeachment when they return, while Republican Rep. Thomas Massie threatened to force a vote on eight articles unless Hegseth resigns.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wants Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed from office. After Democrats' midterm victories, however, the New York Democrat stopped short of backing impeachment and said the House Democratic Caucus would discuss it upon returning, according to NPR.
"He's got to go," Jeffries said.
Democrats have yet to decide on impeachment
Asked directly whether Hegseth should be impeached, Jeffries told NPR: "I don't want to get out ahead of the caucus."
"We'll have that conversation," he said, calling Hegseth "the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history."
Jeffries said he first called for President Donald Trump to fire Hegseth in the spring of 2025.
Massie threatens an impeachment vote
Hegseth also faces pressure from Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who threatened to force a House vote on eight articles of impeachment unless the defense secretary resigns, NPR reported.
In a video response quoted in the NPR interview, Hegseth characterized the efforts against him as political theater and personal destruction.
Iran war and administration investigations
Jeffries said Democrats could use their majorities in the House and Senate to advance a war powers resolution aimed at ending the war in Iran, according to NPR. Democrats lack the two-thirds majorities in both chambers needed to override a presidential veto, the outlet reported.
He also said the House Judiciary and Oversight committees would investigate alleged wrongdoing by the Trump administration.
Jeffries, who is poised to become the next House speaker, said the choice of the next Democratic speaker rests with the House Democratic Caucus, NPR reported.