Republican Thomas Massie launches House push to impeach Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth
Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie, an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, introduced eight articles of impeachment against U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, as pressure mounts over the Iran war. The resolution accuses Hegseth of conducting that war illegally without congressional authorization and of abusing his powers as Pentagon chief. Massie is using a special procedure that could force a House vote within two days while Republicans still control the chamber.
Trump told reporters at the White House that Hegseth had done a “good job,” had “won” wars in Venezuela and Iran, and that he would stand by him. Hegseth earlier sought to downplay the push, telling reporters his team was “not worried about the noise.” He said he would hold a press conference Tuesday — his first in more than 180 days — and defended the war as necessary even if unpopular. Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries backed the effort on Sunday, telling ABC News he was “a hard yes on the Hegseth resolution” and that Hegseth “has got to go.” Arkansas Republican French Hill said he wanted to hear the debate before deciding.
The campaign follows Democratic victories in both chambers in last week’s midterm elections, amid anger over the Iran war and soaring fuel prices. Republicans retain control until January 3. Impeachment in the House requires only a simple majority and amounts to formal charges; removal would require a Senate trial and conviction by two-thirds of senators present. Even with an enlarged Democratic majority next year, substantial Republican support would still be needed to reach that threshold.
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