GOP lawmaker says more qualified officials should lead Pentagon, questions Hegseth's 'moral compass'

FIRST ON FOX: Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., told Fox News Digital that the Department of War should not be led by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, criticizing his leadership and questioning his judgment.

Bacon, who questioned Hegseth's "moral compass," made his remarks after Democrats reclaimed control of both chambers of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections, raising the possibility of impeachment proceedings against members of President Donald Trump's Cabinet in the 120th Congress.

"I don't think he was a good choice to begin with," Bacon told Fox News Digital. "I wouldn't have voted to confirm him."

Bacon, a 30-year Air Force veteran, argued that Hegseth's personal conduct would have resulted in disciplinary action for other members of the military.

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"Anybody that got caught having affairs would've gotten fired," Bacon said before pointing to the controversy surrounding the administration's use of the sensitive military operations.

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"He didn't take any responsibility for it, though it was his fault. And things like that bother folks who've served a lifetime in the military, have a moral compass and take responsibility," Bacon continued.

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Bacon also suggested that Hegseth lacks substantial support among lawmakers on Capitol Hill, where a Democratic-controlled House could pursue impeachment proceedings against the war secretary.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell responded to Bacon's remarks in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying Hegseth "will not back down" or "be deterred by politicians seeking to score partisan points or launch phony investigations where no wrongdoing exists."

Without mentioning Bacon by name, Parnell added that Hegseth "will continue to stand and fight every single day to support and defend the Constitution, lead our troops, and protect America" on behalf of President Donald Trump, "despite threats of sham witch hunts from Democrats — and Secretary Hegseth is 100% committed to leading the Department until the end of President Trumps term in office."

Toward the end of the 119th Congress, a group of Democrats backed legislation introduced by Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., seeking to impeach Hegseth.

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"Hegseth doesn't have a lot of friends on the Hill," Bacon said while discussing whether Trump should replace the war secretary before possible impeachment proceedings. "I do think we could have more qualified leaders."

Trump told reporters Wednesday that