Trump defends Pentagon chief as Massie targets him: 'Hegseth should be praised, not impeached'

President Donald Trump is defending War Secretary Pete Hegseth as outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., targets the Pentagon chief for impeachment. The president issued a Truth Social post on Monday slamming the congressman as 'a total loser' while asserting that the war secretary 'should be praised, not impeached.'

Trump declared that Hegseth, who has overseen recruitment at an all-time high and achieved military victories in Venezuela and Iran, deserves congressional support. 'Congress, stand up for Pete!!!' he added in his post.

Impeachment vote looms

Massie, who lost the GOP primary earlier this year to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein, defended his impeachment effort as a preemptive measure. 'My effort to impeach Secretary Hegseth is a much gentler version of what's coming when the Democrats assume control of the House and Senate next year,' he said.

Hegseth responds

Hegseth shared a screenshot of Trump's post and thanked the president for his support. 'Thank you Mr. President. Like you, we will never back down,' he wrote. Hegseth announced there will be a press conference at the Pentagon on Tuesday morning to address the ongoing situation.