Donald Trump used Monday’s White House remarks to defend his administration’s handling of the Iran war, stand behind Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as he faces impeachment proceedings and address the political fallout from Republicans’ losses in last week’s midterm elections.
The remarks came as Republicans face growing pressure to explain their election performance, with the unpopular military conflict, rising energy costs and dissatisfaction with the administration creating new challenges for Trump’s leadership.
Trump’s most consequential comments centered on Iran, where he described the conflict as militarily “effectively over.” He suggested the United States was moving toward a negotiated resolution but warned that American forces remained prepared to resume military action if circumstances changed.
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Trump said Iran’s military capabilities had been severely weakened and that his administration was seeking an agreement to address the country’s nuclear program. He also acknowledged that the United States had identified potential targets, including 38 bridges, should military operations resume.
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Despite his assessment that the war was effectively over, American forces continued limited strikes against Iranian air defenses. The administration also recently disabled a commercial vessel it accused of attempting to breach its naval blockade.
Trump’s comments came as the conflict continued to create economic pressure, particularly through higher fuel prices. Republicans suffered major losses in the midterm elections, with dissatisfaction over the war emerging as one of the issues weighing on the party.
The president also strongly defended Hegseth, who became the target of a renewed impeachment effort Monday after Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky reintroduced eight articles of impeachment in the House.
Massie’s resolution accuses Hegseth of abusing his authority, conducting military operations without congressional authorization and carrying out unlawful orders. Several of the charges focus on the Iran war, including allegations that the administration violated the War Powers Resolution, the law governing a president’s authority to use military force without congressional approval.
Other allegations involve military strikes against suspected drug-smuggling boats, civilian casualties and the Pentagon’s treatment of Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly.
Massie argues that Hegseth should be held accountable for decisions made under his leadership of the Defense Department. The impeachment effort also comes as lawmakers prepare for Democrats to take control of Congress in January.
Trump dismissed the effort and praised Hegseth’s leadership, claiming the defense secretary had effectively won two wars. He also personally attacked Massie, who has repeatedly broken with Trump on major policy issues.
The House has two legislative days to take action on the resolution. Lawmakers can vote on the measure, send it to committee or table it. Even if the House approves impeachment, removing Hegseth would require a two-thirds vote in the Senate.
Trump also addressed the growing controversy surrounding Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, defending the technology executive as his company investigates whether Huang was targeted by a Chinese intelligence operation.
Trump told reporters Monday that he had spoken directly with Huang about allegations involving a Chinese businesswoman who U.S. intelligence officials reportedly believe shared information with Beijing.
Trump said he asked Huang whether he knew the woman was allegedly a spy. Huang reportedly denied knowing about her alleged intelligence activities, and Trump said he believed the CEO’s explanation.
The comments followed Trump’s remarks Sunday, when he praised Huang as an honorable person but said he had not yet spoken with him about the allegations.
The controversy stems from reporting by The New York Times about Huang’s relationship with Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang, whom U.S. intelligence officials reportedly suspect of gathering information for Beijing. Huang has acknowledged having an extramarital affair, but the allegations of espionage remain under investigation.
Nvidia’s board has launched an independent investigation into whether its CEO was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. The company has said it has no reason to believe national security or its proprietary information was compromised and that Huang will remain CEO while the investigation proceeds.
China’s Foreign Ministry has rejected the espionage allegations, calling them unsubstantiated.
The controversy carries implications beyond Huang’s personal life. Nvidia manufactures some of the world’s most important artificial intelligence chips, making the company central to the competition between the United States and China over advanced technology.
Huang has also maintained a close relationship with Trump, regularly appearing at White House events and participating in discussions about American technology policy. Nvidia has sought greater access to the Chinese market while Washington continues to debate restrictions on advanced semiconductor exports.
The investigation could increase pressure on the administration and Congress to examine how American technology companies manage relationships with foreign businesses and protect sensitive information.
Trump’s comments also come as questions grow about whether he received intelligence briefings concerning Huang’s relationship before the allegations became public. The New York Times previously reported that Trump had been briefed about the intelligence concerns but did not take action at the time.
The administration has not publicly established that Huang knowingly participated in espionage, and the company’s investigation remains ongoing.
With Democrats preparing to take control of both chambers of Congress, Trump’s administration faces increased scrutiny over military operations, executive authority, national security and its relationships with influential business leaders.
The impeachment effort against Hegseth and the investigation involving Nvidia are two separate controversies, but both are developing as the administration enters a politically difficult period following the Republican losses.
