- President Donald Trump defended Pete Hegseth on Sunday night as questions over his leadership and future in the administration mount.
- “He’s guilty of two things, basically winning two wars,” Trump told reporters. “I believe we saved the Middle East and Israel combined. And it’s awfully hard to say let’s impeach somebody who did that.”
- Trump’s remarks come as Congress has reconvened for a six-week lame-duck session following a decisive Democratic victory in the midterm elections, setting the stage for a shift in congressional power on Jan. 3, 2027.
- A primary focus is an impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Hegseth over his Pentagon leadership and the costly war in Iran, which many Republicans view as a key driver behind their election losses.
- Republican Representative Thomas Massie is forcing the Hegseth impeachment vote over the objections of Speaker Mike Johnson, who previously adjourned the House early to delay proceedings but now faces limited options to halt the momentum.
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