Hegseth removal vote targeted for days after midterms

House Democrats are preparing to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with the timing of the vote set to depend on the outcome of the midterm elections scheduled for Nov. 3. The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Democratic leadership is laying the groundwork to remove the secretary from office if his party secures a strong position in the coming weeks.

Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, outlined the party's strategy at a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month. Jeffries told supporters that one of the first actions his group would take upon gaining the majority was to run Hegseth out of town. Other Democratic lawmakers have expressed similar views in recent months. Pramila Jayapal, a representative from Washington, described Hegseth as incompetent and corrupt during a CNN interview. Jared Huffman, a representative from California, called the secretary an unhinged fanatic who should be impeached and removed from office.

The push for removal is not limited to the Democratic caucus. In September, Thomas Massie, a Republican representative from Kentucky, filed articles of impeachment against Hegseth. Massie, a frequent critic of the war in Iran, accused the defense secretary of abusing his office by executing orders for hostilities without congressional approval. Massie stated that he intends to force an impeachment vote shortly after the House returns to session on Nov. 9, which is one week after the elections.

The political pressure in Washington coincides with increased scrutiny of Hegseth's recent diplomatic activities. The defense secretary held a covert meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Ovda air base on Monday, days before Israel's election. Two sources confirmed the meeting to Walla on Tuesday. Hegseth confirmed the visit took place but declined to provide details about their conversation. KAN News reported that Iran was the main topic of discussion.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reportedly attended the meeting. Eyal Zamir, the IDF Chief of Staff, and other senior Israeli officials were not invited to the sit-down for reasons of confidentiality. The House is scheduled to return to session on Nov. 9, setting the stage for a potential vote on Hegseth's fate within days of the midterm results.

The process to remove a cabinet secretary from office requires a simple majority in the House. Massie's articles of impeachment remain on the floor, while Democrats are drafting their own set of charges. The specific timing of the vote will likely be determined by the composition of the new House following the Nov. 3 elections.