House Minority Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Tuesday that Democrats will “ensure” that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and FBI Director Kash Patel are next to leave the Trump administration.
In an interview with MS NOW’s Lawrence O’Donnell, Jeffries pointed to the recent departures of former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from the Trump Cabinet as examples. Both Noem and Bundy have been frequent targets of criticism from Democrats.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-Dremer also resigned from her post this week as she faces an inspector general investigation over alleged misconduct.
“We’re going to make sure that Pete Hegseth and Kash Patel go as well,” Jeffries told The Last Word host. “These people should never be confirmed by Senate Republicans.”
“Shame on them for placing such unqualified people in positions of great significance and sensitivity,” he added.
Democrats have criticized Hegseth throughout his tenure, particularly during the war with Iran. The Pentagon chief has used extremist rhetoric in discussing the conflict. The conflict began on February 28 with a joint attack by the United States and Israel.
“At the same time, we will maintain this blockade – a successful blockade – for as long as necessary,” Heggs told reporters last week, referring to the U.S. Navy’s ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. “But if Iran chooses poorly, they will blockade and bomb infrastructure, power and energy.”
The defense secretary was narrowly confirmed by the Senate in January, with Republican Senators Susan Collins (Maine), Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) joining all 47 Democratic opponents, with Vice President Vance breaking a 50-50 tie. During his confirmation, Hegseth denied accusations of sexual misconduct, alcoholism and financial mismanagement.
As for Patel, the FBI director is under renewed scrutiny after The Atlantic published a report on Friday detailing his alleged frequent drinking and absence as FBI director. Patel said the report was false and sued the magazine for $250 million for defamation.
As civil servants of the United States, the two officials could be impeached by the House for “high crimes and misdemeanors” and removed from office with a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate, according to the National Constitution Center.
If Democrats regain control of the House in November, Jeffries could become House speaker. He said Tuesday that Congress must “hold accountability” from the administration.
“James Madison said, ‘Congress should, at its best, be the rival of the executive branch,'” Jeffries told O’Donnell. “So we think this represents a check on the out-of-control Trump administration.”
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, head to The Hill.