Tillis supports Hegseth impeachment resolution: ‘He needs to go’

Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who voted to confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, publicly called for Hegseth to be removed from office following the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Tillis characterized Hegseth's departure as necessary and proposed two potential paths: impeachment or a direct replacement appointed by the president.

Tillis made the remarks amid fallout from Driscoll's resignation, framing the removal as either a congressional or executive action. He emphasized that impeachment would be one route but noted the faster option would be for President Trump to replace Hegseth outright.

The senator's comments represent a shift from his earlier vote to confirm Hegseth and add to mounting scrutiny of senior Defense Department leadership after the recent personnel change. Tillis's public urging increases pressure on both the White House and Congress to address the leadership question at the Pentagon.

It remains unclear from Tillis's remarks which specific grounds he or others might cite in pursuing impeachment, or whether the administration intends to act swiftly to replace Hegseth. The situation sets up a potential political contest over control and accountability within the Defense Department.