“This is not about me, but of course, the other side, in case you’ve noticed, they’re obsessed,” Hegseth went on. “A disgruntled, defeated congressman, along with all his Democrat allies, has also dropped sham articles of impeachment against yours truly, just like they tried against President Trump twice.”

Hegseth had campaigned against Massie in his primary — a highly unusual move for a Pentagon honcho. Massie justified his impeachment push against Hegseth by citing Hegseth’s role in the war in Iran.

Many Democrats have signaled plans to potentially impeach Hegseth when they roar back to power next year with one of the largest House majorities since at least 2008.

More coverage of the 2026 midterm elections:

Rumors have swirled that Hegseth could step down and get an appointment by Tennessee Gov.-elect Marsha Blackburn to fill her soon-to-be vacant old Senate seat. Hegseth’s close allies have shot those rumors down.

The secretary of war also used his video message to push for lawmakers to pass additional funding for the Department of War.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.