Trump Defends Hegseth As Massie Moves To Impeach War Secretary

President Trump issued a strong defense of War Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president targeted outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie for trying to remove him from office. Trump called the congressman a “total loser” in a post on Truth Social. He insisted the War Secretary “should be praised, not impeached.” This clash comes as Massie introduces formal articles of impeachment against Hegseth.

Trump highlighted specific achievements to back his defense. He pointed to record-high recruitment numbers compared to the Biden era. He also cited “TWO VICTORIES” in Venezuela and Iran as proof of success. The president wrote that Congress should stand up for Pete Hegseth. Massie did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News.

Massie Predicts Hegseth’s Departure

On CNN’s “The Source,” Rep. Thomas Massie discussed the likelihood of Hegseth staying in his job. He told host Kaitlan Collins there is a “high probability” the secretary will not finish the year. Massie stated, “I still put it at a high probability that Pete Hegseth won’t make it until December 31 of this year.” He argued that Hegseth has been effective at breaking the law and violating the Constitution.

Massie claimed he is not impeaching Hegseth for being ineffective. He said the secretary was effective at “killing 200 schoolchildren” and bombing fishing boats. He also accused Hegseth of leading an unconstitutional kidnapping in Venezuela. Massie noted that the president boasts about capturing oil for American companies. He believes this effectiveness in breaking the law is the real reason for impeachment.

DeSantis Named as Possible Successor

After his time on the House floor, Massie conducted a press conference. Reporters asked him who should replace Hegseth if the impeachment succeeds. Massie suggested Gov. Ron DeSantis for the role. He told the Washington Examiner that he thinks Ron DeSantis would be great at the job and likely would not encounter the same problems as Hegseth.

Massie cited DeSantis’s military background as a key reason for his choice. The former governor served as a judge advocate general in the Navy. During his Iraq deployment spanning 2007 to 2008, he received a Bronze Star. Massie said DeSantis understands the legal boundaries between branches of government. However, he admitted DeSantis likely does not want the job right now.

Massie acknowledged that Trump would likely block any name he suggests. The president has shown public disdain for the congressman since Massie lost his primary. Trump backed challenger Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL, who won the seat. Massie warned that Democrats will hold hearings if they take control of Congress next year. He urged the president to replace Hegseth now to ensure a confirmed replacement.

DeSantis has been critical of the Republican Party’s recent midterm losses. He blamed the Iran war as a leading factor in the party’s flop. Florida was the only state to avoid the blue wave that swept the country. While he has not denied interest, DeSantis noted that Cabinet appointments face hurdles in a Democrat-controlled Congress. The president ultimately chose Hegseth over DeSantis at the start of his second term.

On Monday, Hegseth posted a screenshot of the president’s message. He thanked Trump and wrote, “Like you, we will never back down.” A press conference at the Pentagon is scheduled for Tuesday morning. The political battle over the War Secretary’s future continues to intensify. The president and the congressman remain at odds over the future of the Pentagon leadership.