Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) on Monday introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The move, made on the first day of the post-midterm lame-duck session, forces a House vote later in the week. Massie accused Hegseth of implementing "unlawful orders to initiate war" against a foreign nation without congressional authorization and cited the extrajudicial killings of alleged drug smugglers in international waters.
The impeachment effort follows a previous attempt two months ago, which Republican House leaders stopped by ending the legislative session a day early before the pre-midterm recess. While Massie has been the primary Republican advocate for removal, other party members have expressed varying positions following recent midterm election losses. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) suggested he is ready to back the resolution, and Rep. James Comer (R-KY) noted that Republican voters have expressed dissatisfaction with Hegseth's handling of the Iran War.
In contrast, other Republicans and administration officials defended the Defense Secretary. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) described the impeachment effort as "pathetic" and credited Hegseth with high military morale and combat operations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, praised Hegseth's professionalism. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) announced his support for the measure, and Democrats are expected to vote in favor.
The management of the Iran War and Pentagon policy could be affected by the vote. If the House votes to impeach, it sets a precedent regarding the enforcement of the War Powers Act and congressional oversight of military actions. The source does not report a specific dollar figure or the exact number of troops currently affected by Hegseth’s commands. Republicans lost their House majority in the midterms, which may shift the power balance for this vote.
What happens next depends on the House floor vote later this week. If the House passes the articles, the process would move toward a trial in the Senate. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense continues to implement Hegseth's recent orders, including a revamp of military education.