Donald Trump has attacked outgoing Republican Rep. Thomas Massie after he introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Iran war. In a Monday night Truth Social post, Trump called Massie a “total loser.” He urged Republicans to oppose the impeachment effort while defending Hegseth’s military leadership.
Donald Trump calls out Thomas Massie over Pete Hegseth impeachment call
Trump criticized Massie for pursuing Hegseth’s impeachment. The effort centers on allegations that the defense secretary unlawfully waged war in Iran without congressional approval and abused his power. Trump wrote, “Defeated Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, a total loser, is trying to Impeach perhaps the most popular and successful military official in the Country, Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth” (via The Daily Beast).
He also praised Hegseth, citing military recruitment figures and what he described as victories in Venezuela and Iran. “Pete Hegseth should be praised, not Impeached. Congress, stand up for Pete!!!” he added.
During an exchange with reporters on Monday, Trump continued his criticism of Massie and also targeted CNN and its anchor, Kaitlan Collins. He said, “Massie’s a loser, just like you’re a loser at CNN, just like your ratings are a loser. Massie is a loser, stone-cold loser.”
Meanwhile, Massie defended his impeachment effort during an appearance on Collins’ show, The Source. He said his decision was not driven by personal disagreements with Hegseth or dissatisfaction with his performance. Instead, he said it was based on the allegations detailed in the eight articles of impeachment.
Massie explained, “Well, this isn’t a popularity contest. I didn’t offer these articles of impeachment because I thought Pete Hegseth was ineffective, or because I disagreed with his policy.” He further accused Hegseth of responsibility for civilian deaths and unlawful military actions. His allegations included the deaths of 200 schoolchildren, the bombing of fishing boats and what he characterized as an unconstitutional kidnapping in Venezuela.
“In some aspect, he has been effective, and that’s what we’re impeaching him for: his effectiveness in breaking the law and violating the Constitution,” Massie added.
Several Democrats have expressed support for the impeachment effort. However, it remains unclear whether Massie can secure enough Republican votes to advance it in the GOP-controlled House. Trump continues to defend Hegseth amid scrutiny of the administration’s handling of the Iran conflict.
