Representative Yassamin Ansari has sharply criticized Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for his handling of U.S. military operations in the Middle East, calling for his immediate removal. Ansari described Hegseth’s approach as dangerously reckless, focused more on personal image than the serious responsibilities of his office, and placing American lives at risk.
During a press exchange, Ansari said, “Pete Hegseth is a joke. Pete Hegseth was a Fox News anchor. He is completely out of his depth, arguably more than anybody else in this administration. I think he needs to be fired or impeached immediately. He is putting countless American lives in danger, and he thinks this is a video game. He literally is focused on just being this hotshot in the Department of War, and it is a matter of life or death for so many people in this country. It’s unacceptable. It’s disgusting.”
Ansari: Hegseth is a joke. He’s a former Fox News anchor who is completely out of his depth—arguably more than anyone else in this administration.
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 17, 2026
I think he needs to be fired or impeached immediately. He is putting countless American lives in danger, and he treats this like… pic.twitter.com/cA7c5dVODM
Hegseth, who previously worked as a Fox News anchor, has played a leading role in Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing U.S. campaign targeting Iran’s missile forces, naval assets, and defense production facilities. The operation, coordinated by U.S. Central Command, began in late February with the goal of eliminating regional threats and preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
In a March briefing, Hegseth outlined his duties and chain of command, stating, “I serve God, the troops, the country, the Constitution, and the President of the United States, and answer only to those all in service of victory on the battlefield. … Defeat the missiles, missile launchers, and defense industrial base. Defeat the Navy, and deny Iran the ability to have a nuclear weapon.” He emphasized that the campaign’s objectives are focused strictly on military outcomes rather than political considerations.
.@SECWAR “Because we know who the good guys are here—and the American people do too, and that makes my job simple.
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) March 13, 2026
I serve God, the troops, the country, the Constitution and the President of the United States, and answer only to those.
All in service of victory on the… pic.twitter.com/fu3xZKclxX
Critics, led by Ansari, argue that Hegseth’s media background and public persona undermine the seriousness of the mission. She asserted that he treats the Middle East conflict “like a video game,” prioritizing personal visibility over the real-life stakes faced by U.S. troops and regional allies.
As Operation Epic Fury continues, Ansari’s call for Hegseth’s impeachment underscores broader concerns about accountability and leadership within the Department of War. Her statements highlight the life-or-death consequences tied to decisions made at the highest levels of military command, framing the debate in terms of competence, responsibility, and the protection of American service members.