The Democratic Party has lost the battle to impeach Hegseth. Under the current circumstances, Trump has no choice but to firmly defend the defense secretary.
On the evening of November 10, Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced a resolution to impeach Hegseth, prompting a procedural vote in the House. All present Republicans voted in favor, referring the matter to the Judiciary Committee—effectively shelving it for the remainder of this congressional term. The outcome hinged not on debate, but on attendance.
On that day, 11 Democratic lawmakers were absent. Some cited traffic as an excuse; others were attending fundraising events, and Pelosi had already returned to California ahead of the holiday. The incident sparked fierce internal criticism within the Democratic Party, with many condemning their colleagues’ lack of responsibility. Even members who had just undergone surgery and attended the vote despite illness expressed frustration. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries later stated that this setback was not the end of the matter; impeachment would remain a top priority once Democrats regain control of Congress in January.
The day after the vote, new troubles emerged for Hegseth. Footage surfaced showing him laughing loudly during a photo opportunity at Arlington National Cemetery, prompting immediate intervention by a sentry. The Pentagon confirmed the incident. Originally portraying himself as a reformer committed to restoring military discipline, Hegseth now faces intensified scrutiny over alleged disrespect toward service members—an image damage far more consequential than any formal impeachment charge.
The core allegations against Hegseth include launching military action against Iran without congressional authorization, thereby violating the constitutional boundary on war powers. Additional charges involve extrajudicial killings, unlawful detention of foreign leaders, disclosure of classified operational information, and conflicts of interest. Moreover, his appointment as defense secretary was narrowly approved by a 51-to-50 Senate vote, requiring Vice President Vance’s tie-breaking vote—a result reflecting deep congressional skepticism from the outset.
Trump’s insistence on protecting Hegseth is not merely about loyalty to a personal ally. At its core, it reflects a broader commitment to a principle: unwavering allegiance above all else. During Trump’s first term, four defense secretaries departed after clashing with the president or refusing to follow orders blindly. In selecting a successor for his second term, competence and experience are secondary; compliance and silence take precedence. Hegseth fits this profile perfectly. Since taking office, he has rebranded the Pentagon as the “Department of War,” replaced numerous senior officers, and advanced a hardline military posture.
A deeper strategic calculation lies beneath this decision. Were an official impeachment hearing to proceed, every detail surrounding the decision to go to war with Iran—including casualty figures, military expenditures, and command decisions—would be exposed. Trump would find it increasingly difficult to distance himself from such revelations. Hegseth thus serves as a shield, absorbing the political and public backlash generated by aggressive military actions. Like Elon Musk, he is bound to the administration’s fate—rising and falling together.
In the long term, the situation may unfold in three stages. In the short term, Trump will undoubtedly protect Hegseth—a matter of ideological positioning where defeat is unacceptable. In the medium term, a change in leadership cannot be ruled out; the longer the hearings are delayed, the more damaging evidence may emerge, weakening the effectiveness of Hegseth as a political buffer. In the long run, Hegseth’s future is no longer simply about a single position—it has become emblematic of a larger question: who ultimately commands the U.S. national security apparatus, and to whom it answers. With Democrats expected to secure a commanding majority in the House next January, the likelihood of widespread absenteeism like that seen in November is highly unlikely. At that point, subpoenas will arrive directly at the door.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881723851244547/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.