US President Donald Trump has defended Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. against Democratic calls for their removal, urging lawmakers to focus on national priorities instead of pursuing impeachment efforts.
US President Donald Trump has pushed back against Democratic efforts to impeach members of his Cabinet, publicly defending Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Speaking to reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday, November 8, Trump described both officials as “very fine people” and criticised Democrats for focusing on impeachment rather than addressing the country’s pressing concerns.
“They gotta get back to the country,” Trump said, adding that Kennedy was “a very popular guy” whose views had attracted support from many Americans.
The President also defended Hegseth’s leadership at the Pentagon, arguing that his record in overseeing US military operations in Iran and Venezuela was being unfairly criticised. Trump described the operations as victories and suggested that Hegseth’s main achievement had been winning the two conflicts.
The remarks came ahead of an expected House of Representatives vote this week on an impeachment resolution targeting Hegseth. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie is preparing to reintroduce the measure, which contains allegations concerning Hegseth’s conduct as Defence Secretary and his handling of military operations.
Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries has publicly backed the impeachment effort, accusing Hegseth of abusing his authority and undermining national security through his handling of the war with Iran. Other Democrats have also called for greater scrutiny of the Pentagon’s decisions and the administration’s military policies.
Kennedy has also faced calls from Democratic lawmakers for impeachment, although the immediate House vote expected this week is focused on Hegseth.
Trump’s defence of the two officials comes after Republicans suffered significant losses in the November 3 midterm elections, with Democrats securing control of both chambers of Congress. The incoming Democratic majorities are expected to pursue investigations into the administration and increase congressional oversight of its policies.
The President has maintained that his Cabinet members are carrying out their responsibilities and should not be targeted for political reasons. His comments signal that he intends to stand by both officials as the administration prepares for increased scrutiny from Congress.
Although the House can approve articles of impeachment, removing a Cabinet secretary from office through impeachment requires a conviction in the Senate, where a two-thirds majority is necessary.
The dispute is therefore set to become an early test of relations between the White House and the incoming Democratic-controlled Congress, with the future of Hegseth’s position among the issues likely to dominate discussions when lawmakers return to Washington.
