Rep. Thomas Massie seeks House vote to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie has introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging unauthorized military action in Iran, and is urging President Donald Trump to replace him.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie announced plans to bring a resolution to the House of Representatives this week that would impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Massie argues that Hegseth’s involvement in hostilities in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional authorization violates the Constitution and should be addressed.
"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," Massie said.
Massie, a former Kentucky congressman who lost his seat earlier this year, said the move is intended to prompt President Donald Trump to remove Hegseth before Democrats could initiate their own impeachment proceedings after the upcoming elections. He described his effort as a "much gentler version" of what he expects Democrats to pursue if they gain control of both chambers.
"President Trump should replace Secretary Hegseth now while he can still get a replacement confirmed in the Senate," Massie added.
Hegseth responded that he was not concerned about the resolution and scheduled a news conference to discuss the matter.
"We're not worried about that," Hegseth told reporters, adding that he would hold a news conference on the topic.
Impeachment of a cabinet secretary is rare; only two cabinet members have been impeached by the House in U.S. history, and neither resulted in removal by the Senate. The resolution now requires Speaker Mike Johnson to schedule consideration within two days, after which the House could vote on the articles, refer them to committee, or set the matter aside. While Democrats have indicated support for impeachment, Massie would still need backing from Republican colleagues for the measure to advance.