Jeffries calls for Hegseth's removal as Democrats plan war powers vote
The incoming House Speaker says the party will push to end the Iran conflict and investigate administration officials, but he will not commit to impeaching the Defense Secretary yet.
By Adriana Abebe ·
Hakeem Jeffries, the New York Democrat set to become the next Speaker of the House, said his party will move to end the war in Iran immediately after taking control of both chambers of Congress. He told NPR that the conflict has driven up the cost of fuel and food, and he believes voters expect new leadership to act without delay.
Jeffries described the war as a choice that has raised gas, diesel, and fertilizer prices. He said these increases have pushed up the cost of groceries and everyday goods for American households. The incoming Speaker said Democrats should not wait for the new Congress to convene to address these economic pressures.
With majorities in both the House and the Senate, Jeffries said Democrats will introduce a war powers resolution. This measure would force President Trump to either sign the bill or veto it. If the president vetoes the resolution, Democrats would need two-thirds majorities in both chambers to override it. Currently, the party does not hold a veto-proof majority in either chamber.
The issue of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also dominated the discussion. Jeffries called Hegseth the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history. He said he first called for the secretary to be fired in the spring of 2025 and maintained that position has not changed.
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has threatened to force a House vote on eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth unless the secretary resigns. Jeffries said the Democratic caucus will hold a conversation about the matter upon their return. He added that he does not want to get ahead of the caucus on the specific method of removal.
Jeffries stated plainly that Hegseth has to go. He argued that the secretary should have resigned or been fired a long time ago. The incoming Speaker said the party will work through the House Judiciary and Oversight committees to investigate alleged wrongdoing by the Trump administration.
Jeffries defended the party's record, saying Democrats fought Trump on every issue and decisively defeated him in the recent midterms. He said the choice of the next House Speaker rests with the House Democratic Caucus. The incoming leadership aims to make life more affordable while holding officials accountable for breaking the law.
Jeffries said the party will function as a separate and co-equal branch of government. He promised to follow the facts and apply the law. The incoming Speaker said the goal is to deliver a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
