Rep. Thomas Massie introduces impeachment articles against Defense Secretary over Iran conflict
Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie filed articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging illegal conduct in the war with Iran.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky filed articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, accusing the secretary of initiating and continuing the war with Iran in violation of law. Massie read the articles aloud on the House floor shortly after the chamber convened, claiming Hegseth defied a congressional directive to withdraw troops and caused unnecessary civilian casualties.
Massie, who is leaving Congress after losing a primary, has previously worked with Democratic Representative Ro Khanna on efforts to obtain government records related to Jeffrey Epstein. While Republicans hold enough votes to block the measure, the vote could be complicated for members facing competitive elections.
The administration argues the conflict is necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, though some experts say Iran was not close to developing such a capability before the war began six months ago.
"Secretary Hegseth has been a transformative leader for the Department of War," Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said in a statement to NPR. "The entire Department is unified behind the Secretary's vision and will continue working to put our warfighters and America first."
The House must consider Massie's proposal by Thursday, before an extended recess that will last until after the November midterm elections.