The impeachment push was initially launched by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who argued that Hegseth violated the Constitution by failing to secure congressional approval for the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran. Hegseth vocously defended his record during a Pentagon press conference, dismissing the impeachment maneuver as a political "farce" and "sabotage." Furthermore, President Trump brushed aside widespread criticism regarding the conflict, asserting during his speech that the United States "did not start the war with Iran."
Meanwhile, political fallout continued in Washington following the congressional vote. Several Democratic lawmakers who missed the critical roll call blamed severe traffic congestion in the nation's capital for preventing them from reaching the US Capitol in time to participate.
