Jeffries says Hegseth must go but defers to caucus on impeachment
The incoming House Speaker outlined a plan to end the Iran conflict through war powers legislation while Republicans threaten to force a vote on eight articles against the defense secretary.
By Amina Yusuf ·
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said his party will move to end the war in Iran and hold Trump administration officials accountable following the midterm elections. Jeffries, who is expected to become the next Speaker of the House, spoke with Morning Edition on Friday to detail the legislative strategy for the incoming Democratic majority.
Jeffries described the conflict as a war of choice that has caused gas, diesel, and fertilizer prices to skyrocket. He stated that these increases have raised the cost of groceries and other everyday goods. He argued that Democrats should not wait for the new Congress to convene before acting on these issues.
With majorities in both chambers, Jeffries said Democrats will advance a war powers resolution. This bill would force President Trump to either sign the measure or issue a veto. Overriding that veto would require two-thirds majorities in both the House and the Senate. Currently, Democrats do not hold a veto-proof majority in either chamber.
Jeffries addressed the potential impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He called Hegseth the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history and said the official should never have been confirmed by Senate Republicans. Jeffries noted that he first called for Hegseth to be fired in the spring of 2025.
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has threatened to force a House vote on eight articles of impeachment unless Hegseth resigns. When asked directly if Democrats should impeach Hegseth, Jeffries said he did not want to get ahead of the caucus. He added that Hegseth has to go.
Jeffries said the House Judiciary and Oversight committees will investigate alleged wrongdoing by the Trump administration. He defended the party's recent record by noting that Democrats battled the president on every issue before decisively defeating him in the recent elections. The decision on future leadership will rest with the House Democratic Caucus.
Jeffries said the party will work to make life more affordable while holding officials accountable for corruption. He stated that the administration has visited economic costs on the public through policy choices. The incoming leadership plans to function as a separate and co-equal branch of government rather than a rubber stamp for the executive branch.
