U.S. · POLITICS · NOV 9, 5:19 AM ET

'I'm a hard yes': Hakeem Jeffries announces support for Hegseth impeachment

Reported by 32 outlets in the past day, including France 24, NBC News, ABC News.

1What happened

Hakeem Jeffries, who is expected to become the next speaker of the House, was interviewed on "This Week" following Democrats' historic victories in Tuesday's election. ABC News ↗

2What’s next

Tech megabillionaire Elon Musk will also likely be the target of a congressional probe when Democrats take control of Congress in January following their comprehensive victory in the midterms, senior lawmakers said on Sunday. France 24 ↗

3Also reported

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said he supports efforts to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which are expected to be brought to a vote this week. NBC News ↗

Sources

THE POSITIONS IN THIS STORY

Majority and minority leaders Each party in each chamber elects a leader. In the Senate, the majority leader controls which bills and nominations reach the floor; the minority leader leads the opposition.

How it is filled: Chosen by their party’s members in that chamber, usually after each election.

Why it matters: The Senate majority leader in particular decides the chamber’s agenda.

U.S. Senate ↗

Secretary of defense (also called secretary of war) Civilian head of the armed forces. Runs the Pentagon and carries out the president’s orders as commander in chief.

How it is filled: Nominated by the president, confirmed by the Senate. Since September 2025 the administration also uses the title secretary of war; the legal name changes only if Congress acts.

Why it matters: Oversees the largest department in the government and commands U.S. forces on the president’s behalf.

The White House ↗