Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says Democrats should keep even the most serious options under consideration after their strong midterm showing, including possible impeachment proceedings.
Speaking with CNN’s Manu Raju on Tuesday, she was asked whether Democrats might move to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the next Congress. Republicans had just blocked a procedural measure seeking to refer the matter for impeachment.
Ocasio-Cortez said there were numerous administration officials who could face scrutiny, making it difficult to decide where to begin. She expects multiple investigations and subpoenas, adding that lawmakers should follow the evidence.
Asked whether that could include President Donald Trump, she said Democrats should leave all options open. She also argued that the Supreme Court had, in her view, helped legitimize some of Trump’s conduct, and noted that impeachment efforts had previously focused on the court.
“We’ll see,” she said. “We’ll approach it, but I think all options are on the table.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington said a potential impeachment effort against Hegseth would involve affordability, corruption and constitutional rights. She accused him of taking the country into an unconstitutional war as defense secretary.
Meanwhile, some progressives are urging Ocasio-Cortez to run for president in 2028, following victories by several Democratic Socialists in the midterms. A group supporting a possible campaign says she could win the kind of sweeping victory it believes the country needs.
