New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries vowed to oust Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth if Democrats regain control of the House. He promised to confront officials he accused of exploiting Americans when the next Congress takes office. His pledge drew questions about whether the same accountability would extend to Jared Kushner.
In a video circulating on X, the House Democratic leader warned those he accused of stealing from or shortchanging Americans. He promised that Democrats would “hold the crooks accountable” beginning on the first day of the new Congress. “That’s not just talk, we’ve demonstrated the ability to do it,” he declared.
To support his warning, Jeffries claimed Democrats had already driven Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem from office despite remaining in the minority. He then singled out Hegseth as a priority if his party regained the House majority. “We’re going to run Pete Hegseth out of town,” he vowed, without specifying how Democrats would remove the defense secretary.
Hakeem Jeffries Faces Questions Over Jared Kushner Amid Pete Hegseth Threat
The remarks drew mixed reactions on X, with critics questioning Jeffries’ credibility and others backing his promise of accountability.
One user challenged the scope of his pledge, asking, “Are you going to hold Jared Cushner accountable? Will you release a transcript of your conversation with him?” Another questioned his willingness to follow through, writing, “You’re all bark and no bite Hakeem.”
Others challenged his ability to act on the threat. “How. You have no power,” one response stated. A separate critic questioned his priorities, arguing, “This is panhandling, not governing Hakeem.”
However, some welcomed the prospect of Hegseth’s removal. “Please get that clown in charge of the military out of there that’s all I ask coming from a Veteran,” one user wrote. Another supported the broader promise, declaring, “Hold them accountable!”
Whether Democrats will regain the House majority remains uncertain. Jeffries has yet to outline how his party would pursue Hegseth’s removal.
