Democrats vow to take on Hegseth with sweeping Pentagon oversight if they win Congress

With midterm prospects boosting their leverage, Democrats say they will aggressively scrutinize Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon if they gain control of Congress, planning hearings, inquiries, subpoenas and other oversight, potentially even pursuing impeachment over the Iran war, war crimes allegations, Pentagon contracting, officer purges and troop conditions. Some lawmakers urge using all tools to secure receipts and accountability, while Republicans warn against impeachment and defend Hegseth, signaling a high-stakes fight over defense leadership and policy.