Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who voted to confirm Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is again urging President Trump to replace the Pentagon chief, now backing impeachment articles after Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned.
"He needs to go, whether it's impeachment or the most expedient route — just the president to replace him — would be great," Tillis told reporters Thursday.
Driscoll stepped down at the end of August following clashes with Hegseth over the firing of senior Army leaders and other departmental changes.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) filed eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Tuesday, citing his handling of the war in Iran and accusing him of violating his "oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States."
When asked whether Republicans should support the articles, Tillis said, "I'll let the House do what the House is gonna do. I think I'm pretty well staked out on my assessment of Mr. Hegseth."
Tillis, who is not seeking reelection in November, has become one of Hegseth's most vocal Republican critics in the Senate. He earlier this month wrote on X that he had "never witnessed more inept management of the brave men and women who serve our country."
He also accused Hegseth of pushing out experienced military officials and said the Pentagon needs a leader who will "retain and empower our military talent rather than diminish it."
Tillis told Politico earlier this year that firing Hegseth was on "a Christmas wish list," and he believes the Pentagon chief misled Trump on the dynamics of the Iran war.
The impeachment push comes as House GOP leadership has signaled they may avoid a vote, with some suggesting it could be delayed until after the election. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have demanded Hegseth disclose Iran war spending, adding pressure on the embattled secretary.
Tillis's renewed call highlights growing Republican unease with Hegseth's leadership, even as the president has so far stood by him.
