Hegseth Removal Plan Awaits Midterm Outcome

House Democrats are preparing to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth if they gain a majority in the November midterms.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that party leaders are drafting the necessary documents now. They plan to launch the process immediately after the elections if the results favor them.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries outlined this strategy at a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month. He told supporters that removing the secretary would be a top priority. "One of the first things we're going to do in the majority, we're going to run Pete Hegseth out of town," Jeffries said.

Other members of the party have used similar language. Rep. Pramila Jayapal called Hegseth incompetent and corrupt during a recent CNN interview. Rep. Jared Huffman described him as an unhinged fanatic who should be removed from office.

The push for his removal is not limited to Democrats. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie filed articles of impeachment against Hegseth in September. Massie accused the secretary of abusing his power by ordering military action against Iran without congressional approval. He intends to force a vote on these charges shortly after the House returns to session on Nov. 9.

The political pressure coincides with recent diplomatic activity. Hegseth held a covert meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ovda air base on Monday. This visit occurred days before Israel's general election. Two sources confirmed the meeting to Walla on Tuesday.

Hegseth confirmed the visit took place but declined to detail the conversation. KAN News reported that Iran was the main topic of discussion. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz attended the meeting. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior officials were not invited for confidentiality reasons.