Democrats plot to target Hegseth with hearings, subpoenas if they win Congress

Congressional Democrats are preparing to target Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth if they win control of Congress in November, planning a wave of public hearings, inquiries and potential subpoenas over the Iran war, alleged war crimes, Pentagon business dealings and purges of senior military officers, according to a report by POLITICO.

“Hegseth and crew better buckle up and lawyer up because we are coming at them full on,” said Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), describing the plan as “incredibly aggressive oversight.”

Some Democrats, including Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), are even weighing impeachment, following an April resolution led by Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) accusing Hegseth of prosecuting an unauthorized war and mishandling classified information.

Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), poised to chair the Armed Services Committee, has not ruled out subpoenaing Pentagon officials over transparency concerns.

Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson defended Hegseth as “a transformative leader,” while Republicans like Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) voiced continued support.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has criticised Hegseth but stopped short of backing impeachment, as Democrats say their priority remains investigating issues affecting troop safety and accountability.