Rep. Robert Garcia called for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s impeachment on Tuesday, November 10, issuing a blunt four-word demand as lawmakers prepare to consider impeachment proceedings against the Pentagon chief. The California Democrat’s post, “IMPEACH PETE HEGSETH,” follows months of criticism from Garcia over Hegseth’s handling of the Iran war, classified military information and allegations involving personal financial interests.
Garcia published the statement on X at 9:02 a.m. Eastern time. His full post reads:
“IMPEACH PETE HEGSETH.”
The post does not identify a specific charge or provide a detailed explanation. However, Garcia’s record as the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee includes multiple official statements, letters and investigations directly challenging Hegseth’s leadership of the Defense Department.
Garcia’s Investigation Into Hegseth’s Handling of Classified Information
Garcia previously demanded Hegseth’s resignation after the Defense Department inspector general found evidence that the secretary violated national security protocols in connection with SignalGate. The investigation examined Hegseth’s decision to share classified operational information about U.S. strikes in Yemen through a Signal group chat that included a journalist in March 2025.
Garcia said the conduct posed potential risks to U.S. pilots and aircraft and described Hegseth as “unqualified, unfit, and unacceptable” to serve as defense secretary. The inspector general’s findings and Garcia’s subsequent statement established an earlier basis for his opposition to Hegseth that was separate from the Iran war.
The Iran War and Allegations of Financial Conflicts
On March 31, Garcia and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam demanded answers from Hegseth after reporting indicated that the secretary’s financial broker had attempted to arrange multimillion-dollar investments in defense companies in the weeks before U.S. strikes against Iran.
Garcia characterized the reported investment attempt as a potential abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust. The lawmakers sent letters to Hegseth, Morgan Stanley and BlackRock seeking records and information about the transactions. Their request was part of an oversight inquiry, and the allegations did not themselves establish that Hegseth had committed a crime.
Garcia also joined other House Democrats in a May 6 letter to Trump demanding answers about the Iran war’s impact on American households. The lawmakers argued that the conflict was contributing to higher energy costs and placing financial pressure on families. Their letter questioned the administration’s strategic objectives and its handling of the Strait of Hormuz.
Military Conditions and the USS Abraham Lincoln
Garcia’s criticism has also focused on the conditions facing U.S. service members deployed during the conflict. In a recent oversight statement, Garcia and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam demanded answers from the Pentagon about reported food shortages, contaminated water, inadequate supplies and disruptions to mail aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Garcia said sailors were enduring unacceptable conditions during an extended deployment and demanded that Hegseth address the situation. The lawmakers requested information about food inventories, medical supplies, other critical resources and the timeline for relieving the carrier.
What the Impeachment Demand Means
Garcia’s November 10 post comes as Massie has introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth. The allegations cover the Iran war, Yemen operations, the Venezuela operation, civilian casualty protections, military strikes against suspected drug traffickers and alleged retaliation against Sen. Mark Kelly.
Reuters reported that a House vote could occur this week, with the impeachment effort gaining political momentum following the midterm elections. A House impeachment vote would not itself remove Hegseth from office; a Senate conviction requires a two-thirds majority.
Garcia’s latest post does not spell out which articles he supports individually. His prior official statements and oversight actions, however, demonstrate a consistent record of challenging Hegseth’s handling of military operations, national security protocols and accountability within the Pentagon.