Massie Targets Hegseth With Impeachment Push

Rep. Thomas Massie reintroduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday. The move sets up a House vote within the next two days. This is the second attempt by the Kentucky Republican to remove the defense chief from office.

The resolution lists eight specific charges against Hegseth. Three of these accuse him of illegally waging war against Iran in violation of the War Powers Resolution. Another charge alleges he ignored laws meant to minimize civilian casualties. The document also cites extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean during strikes on alleged drug boats. One charge addresses the suppression of free speech related to Sen. Mark Kelly’s comments on refusing illegal orders. Additionally, Massie cites the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro without congressional authorization and illegal war efforts against Yemen.

Hegseth responded to the filing in a video released last Thursday. He called the effort "sham articles of impeachment." The defense secretary said the strategy "Didn't work against President Trump and it won't work with me."

Massie has been a vocal critic of Hegseth for some time. The two clashed during the GOP primary when Hegseth supported Ed Gallrein, who defeated Massie. When Hegseth labeled Massie a "disgruntled defeated congressman," the Kentucky Republican pushed back on Monday. He told reporters, "Well, he's right about one thing. I'm a defeated congressman. I'm not disgruntled."

Massie argued that impeachment is effectively a mechanism for firing a cabinet member. He noted that the process does not involve prison or fines. He stated, "I'm being polite here. What is an impeachment? An impeachment is just firing someone, really. You don't go to prison, you don't go to jail, you don't pay a fine. When the Democrats get in charge, they are going to be very vicious."

The Kentucky Republican said the effort is about the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress. He noted that the War Powers Resolution has largely been ignored by presidents of both parties. Massie said, "What's at heart here is the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress."

Massie first tried to bring the resolution to the floor before the midterm elections. Speaker Mike Johnson called an early recess to avoid the vote, causing the original resolution to expire. Presumptive next Speaker Hakeem Jeffries has signaled support for the new push. Rep. Warren Davidson said impeachment might be hypocritical given past administrations. He told NPR, "I think trying to scapegoat Pete Hegseth is just the status quo politics in Washington. I think it would be a mistake to impeach." Davidson suggested lawmakers use the power of the purse to withhold funding instead.

The House may have enough votes to impeach Hegseth. This would require support from all Democrats, Massie, and a few Republicans. However, clearing the Senate threshold for conviction is unlikely. That process requires two-thirds of the Senate.