Hegseth defiant in first press briefing since Thomas Massie reintroduced articles of impeachment: ‘Political spectacle’

War Secretary Pete Hegseth sharply rebuked his critics in a press conference Tuesday morning as they pursue impeachment charges against him.“It’s a political spectacle, a personal manifesto driven by ego and resentment. Time for one man’s final days in Congress, got to damage to this president, this country, and most irresponsibly, the warriors,” Hegseth said, opening his first briefing in more than six months. “I stand behind every one of these operations. I was proud to execute them, and I would do it again tomorrow.”A day earlier, outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) reintroduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth. The articles specifically argue that the continuation of the Iran war occurred in contravention of the War Powers Resolution, that he committed impeachable offenses with the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, the lethal strikes on suspected drug smuggling vessels, and the U.S. war against the Houthis last year. Hegseth defended those decisions and said they do not meet the definition of high crimes and misdemeanors.“We will not apologize for putting American lives first,” he said. “We will not apologize for stopping the flow of drugs that kill our citizens. We will not apologize for destroying the capabilities of a regime that chants death to America.”Even as he’s critical of Massie’s impeachment effort, Hegseth is facing a new Congress come January, one in which Democrats have large majorities in both chambers, after they campaigned on more rigorous oversight of the department.Trump praised Hegseth shortly after the briefing concluded, saying the secretary deserves an “‘A’ PLUS, PLUS, PLUS for his defense against a disgruntled, angry, defeated, former Congressman.”Hegseth has often conducted his briefings at 8 a.m., giving the president the opportunity to watch.Hegseth, throughout his time as secretary, has unapologetically pursued his goals of reshaping the department. He removed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and jobs, removed senior military officers tied to those decisions, and has made several other changes.DEMOCRATS SALIVATE OVER PENTAGON OVERSIGHT WITH NEW MAJORITIESPrior to the start of Hegseth’s briefing, a Pentagon official warned reporters in the briefing room that they would be physically removed “if anybody gets out of line.” Another official declined to explain the policy further unless they could speak off the record.