A Democratic congressional candidate from Virginia, Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs, called for the impeachment of Pete Hegseth during a NewsNation interview, citing his removal of DEI policies from the military. In the clip, Beggs stated that such moves weaken the force by prioritizing ideology and that people of color in command positions make the military stronger. Online users reacted strongly to the remarks, with many emphasizing merit as the sole standard for leadership.
In the clip from a NewsNation “Decision Desk ’26” interview, the moderator asks Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs, identified on screen as a Democratic congressional candidate in Virginia, what specifically Pete Hegseth has done that qualifies as treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. Beggs replies, “I really appreciate the question because you are right; disagreeing on policy is not a reason for impeachment.”
She continues by stating that a reason to impeach is “continuing to make our military weaker by putting his own ideology first…people of color being in command positions make us stronger…”
According to the accompanying post, Beggs is calling for Hegseth’s impeachment over the policy change. The shared segment does not include the portions of the interview that precede or follow these statements.
Online Responses to the Virginia Candidate’s Remarks on Hegseth
Several commenters rejected the idea that race itself strengthens military leadership. One wrote, “The color of someone’s skin has never, in all of history, ever made a military stronger. What is wrong with these people?”
Another asked, “Because skin color makes you a better leader? WTF?”
Many others focused on qualifications and merit. Comments included “Merit should be the only criteria used. As MLK SAID, judge a man by the content of his character, not his skin color,” “skin color ain’t a strategy. Merit wins wars,” and “Military ain’t a diversity project. Merit every time!”
One added, “It should always be about being qualified,” while another stated, “Putting people in charge who are QUALIFIED, regardless of color, religion or creed, makes us stronger.”
A few users also questioned the supporting evidence, with one asking, “Can she explain with any evidence how DEI makes the military stronger?”
The clip has joined a wider online conversation about military leadership standards and diversity policies. Commenters continue to focus on the balance between qualifications and other factors in command positions.
