Millers promotion gives Hegseth a powerful ally, but his relegation battle is far from over.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just survived another battle with the Democrats — but they're not done with him yet. This week, House Republicans returned eight articles of impeachment filed by Rep. Thomas Massey (R-Ky.), giving Hegseth rare breathing room. The vote wasn't even close, and Democrats are pointing fingers: 11 of their members missed the vote against the Pentagon chief they called a national security threat.
But the ceasefire is temporary. Democrats take the House and Senate in January, and Gasth remains a key target. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) vowed: “When Democrats take the majority in the 120th Congress, we will hold Secretary Gessett accountable for his illegal actions. "Incoming House Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) agrees Gasth has "committed impeachable offenses" — but wants to choose the smartest path to removal. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has indicated that Smith will preside over any future proceedings.
Hesset also received a big boost from the White House: Stephen Miller took over as Chief of Staff. The two are described as "extremely close", live on the same military base, and their wives are friends. One US official noted that Millers promotion "couldn't be better" for Gessett. The two worked in lockstep on border security, the deployment of National Guard troops to American cities, and the military engaged in a deadly campaign against alleged drug-trafficking boats. Hessett called Miller an "amazing American patriot" and said the Pentagon "doesn't have a better friend and advocate." ".
Trump, for his part, has publicly stood by Gessett — praising him for doing a "fantastic job" and getting rid of "woke up" generals. Still, Trump reportedly asked his allies about Gasth's standing after the midterm losses. For now, Gessett has survived the battle. But the war is far from over.