Rep. Thomas Massie Says He Will Reintroduce Impeachment Articles Against Defense Secretary Hegseth If He Remains in Office
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Republican Representative Thomas Massie announced plans to file impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth once Congress reconvenes, contingent on Hegseth still holding the post.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said on Monday that he will reintroduce articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth when Congress returns to Washington, but only if Hegseth remains in the position. The resolution, first introduced last month, accuses Hegseth of conducting unauthorized military actions against Iran, violating statutes intended to limit civilian casualties, and ordering lethal strikes on vessels suspected of drug smuggling.
Massie, who lost his primary and is a known critic of President Donald Trump, posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, a simulated exchange with a reporter, stating, \"If he’s still SecDef.\"
Democratic lawmakers have also called for Hegseth’s removal. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) warned that Democrats would push the secretary out of office unless President Donald Trump intervenes. Jeffries added that the House is likely to consider an impeachment resolution soon after the November elections, when Democrats expect to regain a majority.
Massie told Roll Call that he believes there is "better than a 50% chance" the impeachment measure could pass, citing anticipated Democratic support and a possible handful of Republican votes in the lame-duck session.
A recent report suggested Hegseth might seek to avoid impeachment by pursuing a Senate seat held by Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) if she wins the governorship, a claim the Pentagon dismissed as "beltway gossip."