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Massie Pushes for Vote on Impeaching Hegseth
Confirmed
In Short: Republican Representative Thomas Massie introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of waging war without congressional authorization.
Secretary Pete Hegseth official portrait (cropped).
SECWAR Attends ASEAN 2026. Staff Sgt. Dennis Buzard / Office of the Secretary of War Public Affairs / DVIDS (261028-A-RQ234-5247) — public domain dvidshub.net
Republican Representative Thomas Massie has introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging that Hegseth has violated the War Powers Resolution of 1973 by engaging in hostilities in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional authorization.
Massie's 34-page impeachment resolution includes eight articles, accusing Hegseth of high crimes and misdemeanors, including unlawful war or military actions in Iran, Yemen, and Venezuela, and ignoring laws that minimize civilian casualties.
Massie told reporters, 'I'm doing this because it's the right thing to do.' He also urged President Trump to replace Hegseth, stating, 'President Trump should replace Secretary Hegseth now while he can still get a replacement confirmed in the Senate.'
The impeachment effort could attract bipartisan support, as both parties are frustrated with Hegseth's handling of the war with Iran, and Republicans are reeling from their defeats in the midterm elections.
Hegseth's defense team argues that he carried out lawful and informed decisions by the president in every case, and they believe he has a solid defense against Massie’s allegations.
Hegseth announced he would hold a rare news conference on Tuesday, his first in over 180 days, to address the impeachment threat.
The impeachment effort must first clear a vote in the House of Representatives, which could take place as early as Wednesday.
Massie, who will not seek reelection when the new Congress takes office in January, said Hegseth could stop the process only by resigning voluntarily.
What this adds
The impeachment effort could attract bipartisan support, as both parties are frustrated with Hegseth's handling of the war with Iran, and Republicans are reeling from their defeats in the midterm elections.
Hegseth announced he would hold a rare news conference on Tuesday, his first in over 180 days, to address the impeachment threat.
What's confirmed
- "By engaging in hostilities in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional authorization, Secretary Hegseth is breaking the law and must be held accountable," Representative Thomas Massie said.
What's still developing
- Calls for Hegseth’s removal have grown steadily louder in recent days.
- All three options would require majority votes for success.
- Earlier this month, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina called on the President to replace Hegseth, after Dan Driscoll stepped down as Army Secretary—one of at least 20 military and civilian leaders who have been ousted or resigned from the Department of Defense since Hegseth took over the agency.
- Explaining his position, the House Minority Leader accused Hegseth of abusing his office, undermining national security and contributing to the war in Iran.