John Oliver devoted a recent episode of HBO's "Last Week Tonight" to a sweeping critique of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling for his impeachment. The segment, which spanned approximately 35 minutes, focused on a series of perceived missteps and controversial statements made by Hegseth since his appointment.
Oliver highlighted Hegseth's disclosure of classified war plans via a messaging app and a plan to reduce the number of high-ranking military officers. According to Oliver, Hegseth described the intended purge of generals and admirals as a move to eliminate "No fatties, no tr***ies, no beardos, no weirdos, no wimps, no radicals. Just warriors." Oliver also brought up an incident where Hegseth inadvertently shared plans to strike Houthi fighters with a journalist through a messaging app. Additionally, Oliver touched upon the ongoing conflict in Iran, noting that its stated goals have not been achieved and that the Strait of Hormuz is reportedly under Iranian control.
The show also referenced strikes on drug boats in the Caribbean, which Oliver suggested Democrats have framed as violations of humanitarian law. He pointed to reports indicating frustration within the administration regarding Hegseth's candor about the war's status.
Oliver further criticized Hegseth's use of the Latin phrase "Deus Vult" (God Wills It) on a tattoo, suggesting it indicates extremist ideology. The segment also mentioned a settlement paid to a woman who accused Hegseth of sexual assault in 2017, though Hegseth has denied the allegations.
Oliver's office reportedly received a response from the Pentagon that included the suggestion, "Deport John Oliver," to which Oliver, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from the UK, responded by calling the Pentagon staff "d*ckhead teenagers."
A bipartisan resolution to impeach Hegseth had recently been introduced in the House of Representatives, with a vote potentially scheduled for the week of the show's airing.