New Delhi: Ever since the results of the midterm elections in the United States were announced, President Donald Trump has appeared visibly troubled. His influence both within the U.S. and globally is on the wane. Meanwhile, Iran shows no signs of yielding to the United States. In fact, Donald Trump has already attributed his party’s defeat in the midterm elections to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Separately, U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth may be facing mounting difficulties. An impeachment resolution has been introduced against him, containing allegations that he waged war against Iran without congressional authorisation and abused his official authority. A vote on this resolution is expected to take place this week in the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the U.S. Congress. Donald Trump, for his part, has come to Hegseth’s defence, making it clear that he will stand by his Secretary of Defence even in the face of impeachment proceedings.
Impeachment Against Hegseth
According to a news report, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie from Kentucky introduced a resolution on Monday (November 9) containing eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth. These include charges such as initiating a war against Iran without congressional approval and the abuse of power. Following the introduction of the resolution, the voting process in the House of Representatives could begin within the next two days.
Will the Impeachment Vote Be Averted?
The impeachment move against the Secretary of Defence is also seen as a test for Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters, Thomas Massie expressed concern that Republican leadership might attempt to avoid a direct vote on the impeachment issue by employing procedural manoeuvres. He further argued that there should be a serious debate in the House regarding these eight charges, and that lawmakers should be given the opportunity to cast their votes.
According to sources within Congress, there may be sufficient support to pass the impeachment resolution in the House of Representatives. Currently, the Republican Party controls the House, while the Democratic Party will assume the majority on January 3. However, even if an impeachment motion were to pass in the House of Representatives, removing Hegseth from his position would not be easy; it would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate. At present, the Republican Party holds 53 seats in the 100-member Senate.
What Donald Trump said about the impeachment
US President Donald Trump questioned how an impeachment could be pursued against someone who has “won two wars.” In a media interview, he defended Hegseth, pointing to US military operations in Iran and Venezuela, and remarked, “He has won two wars.”
“I don’t understand how you could impeach him.” Later, during a press conference at the White House, Trump stated that even if an impeachment motion were to pass against Hegseth, he would continue to support him.
