Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the Pentagon chief faces an impeachment effort led by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and backed by Democratic leaders. Speaking to reporters in Paris on Monday, November 9, Rubio described the push as “unfair” and said Hegseth had done a very good job in his position. Rubio emphasized that he works with Hegseth every day, giving him a perspective he believes the media and some members of Congress do not see. “I see perhaps a side of him that the media doesn’t see and members of Congress may not see,” Rubio said, praising Hegseth’s professionalism, intelligence and work ethic. He also pointed to the long hours Hegseth puts into his responsibilities and reiterated that, from his own experience working alongside him, the defense secretary has performed well. His remarks amount to a strong public endorsement from a senior Cabinet official at a time when Hegseth is facing growing scrutiny on Capitol Hill.

The impeachment effort was initiated by Massie, who introduced eight articles accusing Hegseth of misconduct connected to U.S. military operations in Iran, Yemen and Venezuela, including allegations that he carried out unlawful orders and threatened constitutional safeguards. These are allegations contained in the resolution, not findings established through an impeachment trial. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has expressed support for the effort, while other lawmakers have raised questions about Hegseth’s handling of military operations and leadership at the Pentagon. Hegseth has dismissed the move as politically motivated and said he is prepared to defend his record. The House is expected to consider the resolution, although approval there would not automatically remove him from office; impeachment would still require a Senate trial and conviction to result in removal. Rubio’s defense adds another prominent voice to the administration’s effort to support Hegseth as lawmakers debate his conduct and the broader direction of U.S. military policy.