Trump says he intends to keep Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

President Trump told ABC News on Thursday, "I have every intention to keep him," about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, while acknowledging calls from people unhappy with him. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie says he plans to call for a House vote on impeaching Hegseth unless he resigns. Some Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance, have blamed the Iran war for the party's midterm losses.

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Why it matters

The defense secretary leads the Pentagon during the war with Iran. A House impeachment vote would put the question of his job before every member of the House.

What to watch

Massie told ABC News he intends to introduce his impeachment resolution Monday or Tuesday, November 9 or 10.

How each side sees it

Trump saysHegseth is "doing a very good job" and he has "every intention" to keep him; he called Massie "a very bad guy" who is "very destructive."

Massie saysHe will not reintroduce his articles of impeachment only if Hegseth resigns, and calls his resolution "a much gentler version of what's coming when Dem's control Congress."

Sources

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Published Thursday, November 5, 2026. Spot an error? Email [email protected]. See our corrections log and standards.