US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday dismissed an effort to impeach him over the Iran war as a "political spectacle", accusing an outgoing Republican lawmaker of pursuing a personal agenda.
"What one disgruntled and defeated congressman is attempting is not oversight, and it's not accountability. It's a political spectacle, a personal manifesto driven by ego and resentment," Hegseth told journalists.
His remarks came a day after Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced eight articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of waging war against Iran without congressional authorisation and abusing his powers.
Impeachment push over Iran war
Massie's resolution alleges violations of the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which governs the president's authority to involve US forces in hostilities without congressional approval.
The articles also include allegations concerning civilian casualties and military operations in Yemen and Venezuela. The Pentagon has rejected the accusations.
Massie, who lost his Republican primary to a Trump-backed challenger, is using a procedure requiring the House to consider his resolution within two legislative days.
The Republican-controlled House could vote as early as Wednesday, with some Republican lawmakers indicating they may support the impeachment effort.
Trump stands by Hegseth
President Donald Trump defended his defence secretary on Monday, saying Hegseth had done a "good job" and praising his handling of military operations.
