Democratic Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado stated on CBS’s Face the Nation that removing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth would be his “priority No. 1” if Democrats regain control of the House in the November midterm elections. Crow, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, framed the potential removal as a response to what he described as Hegseth’s incompetence in addressing national security threats, including those posed by Iran.
During the interview, Crow was asked about recent intelligence indicating that Iran has substantially increased efforts to target U.S. personnel in the Middle East. He acknowledged the threat but emphasized his focus on leadership at the Pentagon, stating that service members "deserve competent, serious, real leadership that will protect them."
Crow also criticized former President Donald Trump, accusing him of indirectly aiding Iran by easing sanctions on Russia, which he claimed provides intelligence and support to Tehran. He referenced a meeting between Trump ally Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as Trump’s sanction relief, as actions that he argued undermine U.S. security interests.
Margaret Brennan, the host of Face the Nation, pressed Crow on broader Democratic messaging ahead of the midterms. Crow responded by asserting that economic concerns—such as affordability and healthcare—remain the party’s central campaign focus, despite polling suggesting voters lack clarity on Democratic plans. He dismissed the polling as disconnected from voter priorities, reiterating that Democrats are running on kitchen-table issues.
The interview also touched on the potential legislative agenda if Democrats secure a House majority. Crow, who serves as the battleground chair for House Democrats, stated that candidates in competitive districts are campaigning on economic policies, which he claimed will drive the party’s agenda in January. However, he did not provide specific details on legislative proposals beyond general commitments to addressing costs of living.
Crow’s remarks came amid heightened scrutiny of Pentagon leadership and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The intelligence cited by Crow and Brennan referenced a memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, which warned of advanced-stage lethal plotting by Iran against U.S. personnel in the region and beyond.
The potential removal of Hegseth would require a vote in the House, followed by Senate confirmation of a successor, if Democrats secure majorities in both chambers. No timeline for such a process was discussed during the interview.
Crow’s statement reflects a broader Democratic strategy to frame the midterms as a referendum on Trump-era policies, particularly those related to national security and economic stability. His comments also underscore internal party debates over whether to emphasize opposition to Republican governance or to articulate a proactive policy agenda.