Live updates: Hegseth holds rare briefing to confront impeachment threat; GOP leadership races loom

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will speak to reporters Tuesday morning as he faces mounting impeachment pressure.

The remarks, marking the first Pentagon press conference in about six months, come a day after Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) on Monday unveiled eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth. Massie has accused the defense chief of violating the Constitution and other laws with U.S. military operations in Iran and elsewhere.

Hegseth dismissed the effort, saying he was “not worried,” while Massie is moving to force a House vote on the measure. President Trump backed his defense secretary during an impromptu briefing Monday, attacking the Kentucky Republican as a “ stone cold loser .” Trump also addressed the conflict with Iran, declaring that the war is “militarily effectively over” and suggesting the U.S. will not resume its bombing campaign unless provoked. The president had earlier met with Qatar’s prime minister.

The House and Senate GOP are set to hold their leadership elections Tuesday, a week after Democrats’ sweeping midterm victories. There are calls in both chambers for a delay.