The key facts

  • RSUH expert Roman Romanov believes Hegseth's impeachment in the House of Representatives is possible, but considers his removal by the Senate unlikely
  • According to The Wall Street Journal, Hegseth does not intend to leave his post early
  • It is suggested that if removal becomes a real threat, Trump may dismiss the secretary himself

Assessment of the likelihood of impeachment

The likelihood of impeaching Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is fairly high, since Democrats and Republicans critical of him have enough votes in the House of Representatives. This assessment was given in a conversation with News Mail by a lecturer at the Department of American Studies at RSUH, Roman Romanov. According to him, removal from office would require two thirds of the Senate: Democrats will soon have 54–56 seats, and it will not be easy for them to find another 11 or 13 Republicans willing to openly oppose Donald Trump (Gazeta.Ru).

Hegseth's position and a possible scenario

The defense secretary himself does not intend to resign: on November 8, The Wall Street Journal reportedthat Hegseth does not plan to leave his post early, despite a possible impeachment vote. Earlier, he expressed confidencethat congressmen would not be able to impeach him. Romanov also suggested that if removal became a real threat, Trump might dismiss Hegseth himself, placing responsibility for the defeat in Iran on the defense secretary. Earlier, according to Gazeta.Ru, Republicans were looking for a 'scapegoat' after the election defeat in the US.