Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is pushing back against an impeachment effort led by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), dismissing the articles against him as politically motivated and comparing the campaign to Democrats’ previous attempts to impeach President Donald Trump.

In a video released Thursday, Hegseth criticized Massie and the Democrats supporting the effort, saying the impeachment push would not force him out of office.

“A disgruntled, defeated Congressman, along with all his Democrat allies, has also dropped sham articles of impeachment against yours truly--just like they tried against President Trump twice,” Hegseth said. “It didn't work against President Trump, and it won't work with me.”

Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth in September, accusing the secretary of violating federal law and the Constitution through his handling of military operations, including the war with Iran. The resolution also alleges unlawful military strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels, violations involving civilian casualties and retaliation against Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) over his public statements.

The House did not vote on the measure before its September introduction was delayed when Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) ended the chamber's session early ahead of the midterm elections. Massie has since said he plans to bring the resolution back when lawmakers return, potentially as early as Monday or Tuesday.

The Kentucky congressman, who lost his Republican primary earlier this year after Trump endorsed a challenger, has argued that Hegseth should leave office rather than face impeachment. Massie said Wednesday that the only circumstance in which he would not reintroduce the articles would be if Hegseth resigned.

President Trump publicly backed Hegseth on Thursday, telling ABC News that he has “every intention” of keeping him as Secretary of War. Trump acknowledged receiving calls from people unhappy with Hegseth but said he did not understand the criticism. He also described Massie as “a very bad guy” and “very destructive.”

The impeachment effort comes after Republicans suffered major losses in Tuesday's midterm elections, with Democrats winning control of both chambers of Congress. Democrats are expected to use their new majorities to increase investigations and oversight of the Trump administration and the Department of War when the new Congress convenes in January.

Hegseth has defended his leadership and the administration's military policies, arguing that political opponents are targeting him because of his efforts to overhaul the Pentagon. If the House approves the impeachment articles, the Senate would hold a trial, and conviction and removal would require a two-thirds vote of senators present.