Jeffries urges Hegseth removal but delays impeachment vote
The incoming House Speaker says the war in Iran has driven up fuel and food costs, but he will let his caucus decide on removing the Defense Secretary.
By Yara Nasser ·
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries faces a strategic decision on how aggressively to challenge the Trump administration after Democrats secured majorities in both chambers of Congress. While he has vowed to end the war in Iran, he has stopped short of immediately launching an impeachment campaign against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Jeffries, who is expected to become the next Speaker of the House, spoke with Morning Edition on Friday to outline his priorities. He described the conflict in Iran as a war of choice that has skyrocketed gas prices, diesel prices, and fertilizer prices. These increases have raised the cost of groceries and everyday goods for American consumers.
He argued that Democrats should not wait for the new Congress to convene before acting. With control of both the House and Senate, the party can pass a war powers resolution. This would force President Trump to either sign the bill or veto it. Overriding a veto requires two-thirds majorities in both chambers, a threshold Democrats currently do not meet.
The question of holding administration officials accountable has centered on Hegseth. Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has threatened to force a House vote on eight articles of impeachment if Hegseth does not resign. Hegseth responded in a video, calling the effort political theater designed to destroy opponents.
Jeffries called Hegseth the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history. He said Hegseth should never have been confirmed by Senate Republicans. Jeffries noted that he first called for Hegseth to be fired by President Trump in the spring of 2025.
When asked directly if Hegseth should be impeached, Jeffries said he did not want to get ahead of the caucus. He stated that the House Democratic Caucus will have that conversation when they gather upon their return. Despite the procedural caution, he added that Hegseth has to go.
The incoming leadership plans to use the House Judiciary and Oversight committees to investigate alleged wrongdoing by the Trump administration. Jeffries defended his party's record, stating that Democrats battled Trump on every issue and decisively defeated him in the recent midterm elections. He said the decision on new leadership rests with the House Democratic Caucus.
The new majority will need to balance these accountability efforts with voter demands for affordability. Jeffries said the party promised to fight for a more affordable America, including driving down the price of groceries, gas, and housing. He emphasized that the party would function as a co-equal branch of government rather than a rubber stamp for the executive branch.
