Hegseth seeks $350 billion in defense funding amid impeachment push

Pentagon leadership is demanding at least $350 billion in new defense spending as it contends with an active impeachment effort. War Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a video to X on Thursday, calling for every vote from members of Congress who support the administration's military agenda. He framed the financial request as essential for strengthening both the armed forces and the defense industrial base.

The funding request coincides with a political challenge that Hegseth described as political theater. He defended his recent restructuring of the department, which includes the removal of senior military leaders and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Hegseth stated that these changes are necessary to execute President Donald Trump's vision for the military.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., filed eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth in September. The documents allege that the war secretary violated congressional war powers during operations involving Iran and abused his authority in other military contexts. Although the House has not yet voted on these measures, Massie plans to renew the effort when Congress reconvenes next week.

Massie lost his Republican primary in May but continues to lead the drive from within the chamber. Hegseth characterized the impeachment campaign as the work of a disgruntled and defeated congressman working alongside Democratic allies. He referred to the filings as sham articles of impeachment aimed at undermining his authority.

President Trump expressed his support for Hegseth in an interview with ABC News on Thursday. The president said he intends to keep Hegseth in the Cabinet despite the ongoing legal and political challenges. Hegseth also pointed to his predecessors, specifically former President Joe Biden and former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, arguing that they left the Pentagon in a state of disarray that required immediate reconstruction.

The secretary maintained that the administration's actions against Iran were a historic effort to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He told service members to ignore the political noise in Washington and never hesitate in their duties. Hegseth concluded by stating that the department puts America and the warfighter first without apology.