Hegseth faces new impeachment push as Massie cites Iran war
A Republican congressman introduced eight articles of impeachment on Monday, forcing a response from President Trump and setting up a floor fight in the House.
By Giulia Donovan ·
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday. The filing marks the first such move against the secretary since Massie failed to secure a floor vote in September. The new resolution targets Hegseth’s conduct during military operations in Iran, with secondary references to actions in Venezuela and Yemen.
Massie stated that the goal is to address legal violations rather than job performance. He described Hegseth as effective in his role but argued that the secretary broke laws and violated the Constitution. The congressman held a press conference outside the Capitol to explain the resolution. He emphasized that the impeachment articles do not claim ineffectiveness.
House Speaker Mike Johnson previously sent lawmakers home early to avoid a similar vote in September. Johnson may use the same strategy this week to manage the schedule. Massie is urging the speaker to bring the resolution to the floor immediately. He noted that Republicans currently hold the majority in the House and should act accordingly.
Democrats have signaled strong support for the measure. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called his vote a hard yes. He characterized Hegseth as the architect of a failed and costly war in Iran. Jeffries also said the secretary has abused his power and undermined national security.
President Donald Trump responded to the news during an impromptu press briefing at the White House on Monday. He pledged to stand by Hegseth and asked Congress to do the same. Trump dismissed Massie as a loser who should not take up the time of Congress or the Senate.
Massie remains in his seat despite losing his party’s primary endorsement in May. He was defeated in the general election cycle by Trump-endorsed challenger Ed Gallrein, though the source notes he was defeated in May by Gallrein. Hegseth is scheduled to hold a press briefing at the Pentagon on Tuesday morning. It will be his first appearance in over 180 days.
The resolution now sits in the House. Johnson has the procedural power to control whether it reaches a full chamber vote. If a vote occurs, the outcome depends on the alignment of the remaining Republican caucus with the full Democratic party.
