Incoming Speaker Jeffries urges action on Iran war, Hegseth removal

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats will move immediately to end the war in Iran and hold administration officials accountable following the midterm elections. Jeffries, who is expected to become the next Speaker of the House, spoke on Friday about the agenda for the incoming majority.

Jeffries described the conflict as a war of choice that has driven up the costs of gas, diesel, and fertilizer. He stated that Democrats should not wait for the new Congress to convene to begin these efforts. With majorities in both chambers, the party intends to pass a war powers resolution to force President Trump to end the war. If the president vetoes the measure, Democrats would need two-thirds majorities in both houses to override it, a threshold they currently lack.

The issue of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's removal also dominated the discussion. Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has threatened to force a vote on eight articles of impeachment if Hegseth does not resign. Jeffries called Hegseth the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history. When asked directly if impeachment is the path forward, Jeffries said the caucus needs to have that conversation. He added, He's got to go.

Jeffries indicated that the House Judiciary and Oversight committees will investigate alleged wrongdoing by the Trump administration. He defended the party's recent record, noting that Democrats battled the president on every issue and decisively defeated him at the polls just days ago. The decision on the next Speaker will rest with the House Democratic Caucus.

The incoming Oversight Committee Chair, Representative Robert Garcia, previously posted a plan to investigate the Trump family for possible crimes. Jeffries confirmed he is aligned with that approach, stating the committees will lead accountability efforts. He emphasized that the party intends to follow the facts and apply the law as a co-equal branch of government.

Voters in Central Florida and across the country expressed a desire for new leadership during the campaign. Jeffries acknowledged these expectations but pointed to the party's recent electoral success as proof of its effectiveness. He said the caucus will chart the path forward as it regains control of the chamber.