Hegseth Urges Congress to Allocate Additional $350 Billion to Pentagon and Rejects Impeachment Attempts

Request for $350 billion and defense of the military agenda

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a video address on Thursday, reaffirmed support for President Donald Trump's military agenda and urged Congress to approve at least $350 billion in additional Pentagon funding, describing it as a 'generational investment' necessary to maintain the nation's military superiority. According to him, the 'Department of War'—as Trump renamed the Defense Department—must be funded to 'stay ahead in a dangerous world' and needs 'the voice of every patriotic member of Congress'. (Anadolu).

Iran, impeachment, and personnel rumors

Hegseth called Trump's military campaign against Iran a 'bold and historic effort' that, in his view, will prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He characterized Democratic attempts to impeach him as 'political theater,' comparing them to the two impeachment proceedings against Trump himself. Amidst the address, NBC News reported that Trump had recently discussed with some allies the possibility of replacing Hegseth due to growing tensions between him and lawmakers from both parties over military operations, transparency, and Pentagon spending. However, on Wednesday, Trump publicly dismissed rumors of personnel changes, telling reporters: 'No, he is doing a very good job.' Republican Thomas Massie from Kentucky, who introduced an impeachment resolution against Hegseth in September, stated after the November 3 midterm elections that he intends to push for a vote in the House of Representatives as early as next week if Hegseth does not resign. According to Anadolu, the White House has shown no signs that a change in Pentagon leadership is inevitable.