Abdul El-Sayed, the newly elected U.S. senator from Michigan, delivered a blunt message to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, telling him to resign and accusing him of mishandling the war with Iran.
During a Tuesday appearance on CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins, El-Sayed was asked about the House’s failed effort to impeach Hegseth. Rather than focus solely on the congressional vote, El-Sayed turned directly toward the camera and addressed the defense secretary.
“Can you imagine being Pete Hegseth right now? Like, why are you still in your job? I mean, it’s an open question,” El-Sayed said.
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He then questioned Hegseth’s leadership and performance, accusing him of failing his responsibilities while focusing on political and cultural disputes.
“You are really bad at this. You are failing your responsibility. You have mishandled this war,” El-Sayed said.
El-Sayed also criticized Hegseth for spending time discussing cultural issues while overseeing the U.S. military campaign against Iran.
“Every day, you’re talking about fighting a new culture war. But, like, you’re supposed to be waging an actual war that is actually illegal on its own terms,” he said.
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He ended his message with a direct demand.
“So just resign. Make it easy for everybody instead of, in the end, getting taken out, because that is clearly what’s happening. So, Pete, just take it from me: You’re not good at this.”
House Republicans Block Impeachment Effort
El-Sayed’s comments came hours after the House voted 211-204 to send impeachment articles against Hegseth to the House Judiciary Committee, effectively shutting down the immediate effort to impeach him.
The resolution, introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, accused Hegseth of committing high crimes and misdemeanors through his handling of the Iran war and other military operations.
According to the official House roll call, 210 Republicans and one independent voted to refer the resolution to committee. All 203 Democrats who voted opposed the motion, while Massie was the only Republican to vote against referral.
The procedural vote did not determine whether Hegseth was guilty of the allegations. Instead, it prevented the impeachment resolution from advancing toward a full House vote.
The outcome was a significant setback for Massie’s effort to hold Hegseth accountable through impeachment.
Hegseth Rejects Impeachment Accusations
Hegseth dismissed the impeachment effort during a Pentagon news conference Tuesday, describing it as a political spectacle rather than legitimate congressional oversight.
“What one disgruntled and defeated congressman is attempting is not oversight and it’s not accountability. It’s a political spectacle, a personal manifesto driven by ego and resentment,” Hegseth said.
He defended the military operations under his leadership, arguing that the actions were lawful and that impeachment would undermine the military.
The Trump administration has also defended Hegseth, arguing that the military operations targeted in the impeachment resolution were legally authorized.
The disagreement over the legality of the Iran war remains a central issue in the political fight surrounding Hegseth’s leadership.
El-Sayed Says Iran War Is Hurting American Families
During the CNN interview, El-Sayed also connected the war to rising living costs, arguing that the financial consequences are being felt by Americans already struggling with everyday expenses.
He referenced conversations with Michigan residents about the cost of filling their vehicles and buying groceries.
El-Sayed argued that the war has contributed to the economic pressure facing households and called for an end to the military campaign.
His criticism comes as he prepares to enter the Senate following his election victory in Michigan. His comments also signal that the Iran war and the Trump administration’s military decisions will remain major issues in the incoming Congress.
For Hegseth, the House vote provides temporary relief from the immediate impeachment threat. However, questions about the administration’s military strategy, the legal justification for the war and the costs facing American households are likely to remain subjects of congressional debate.
