Democrats plan impeachment inquiry for Pete Hegseth
House Democrats are preparing an impeachment inquiry against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the new Congress begins its work next year.
Impeachment plans take shape
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that leaders will consult on next steps after a recent effort failed to progress. Representative Adam Smith is soon to chair the Armed Services Committee and will lead this investigation. Jamie Raskin will serve as the next chair of the judiciary committee to support the process. House Republicans previously managed to table an impeachment effort brought by Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky. That specific effort targeted charges regarding waging war without approval and directing extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean.
Senate composition changes strategy
Trump officials believe Senate majority leader John Thune could dismiss charges with a straight-line vote under current conditions. That option is off the table because Democrats will take over the Senate next year. At least five other Republican senators have complained about Hegseth's performance and may support conviction. During this election cycle, senators Susan Collins of Maine, Thom Tillis from North Carolina, and Bill Cassidy representing Louisiana all failed to win reelection. After completing their terms, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst and Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell will leave office.
Hegseth faces damaging outcomes
One source close to President Donald Trump says Hegseth is now a passenger in whatever comes next. In private, officials think Hegseth's second impeachment and subsequent Senate trial are almost certain to happen. Roger Wicker, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, denounced Hegseth over reductions in flag officer ranks and warned he would stop a nomination. Democrats aim to narrow charges to issues Senate Republicans also complained about to attract their support.
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