Rep. Thomas Massie moves to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over alleged abuses of power
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Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) filed eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, setting up a House vote that could come within days as lawmakers confront allegations of war powers violations, extrajudicial killings, and attacks on free speech.
Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, pressing for a House vote as early as this week. The articles allege that Hegseth waged war in violation of congressional war-powers resolutions, authorized extrajudicial killings in Caribbean boat strikes, and suppressed free speech by targeting Senator Mark Kelly, a veteran from Arizona.
Massie read the articles on the House floor, saying that Hegseth’s conduct "demonstrates that he will remain a threat to the Constitution if allowed to remain in office" and that he "warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States." His move intensified scrutiny of a Pentagon chief already accused of trampling constitutional limits.
Under House rules, the resolution must be acted upon, tabled, or referred to committee within two legislative days, forcing Republican leaders to schedule a vote by the end of the week. While Congress has the authority to impeach cabinet secretaries, such actions are rare; the last cabinet official impeached was Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in 2024, and the previous impeachment of a cabinet member occurred in 1876.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, reiterated his support for impeachment, saying Hegseth "has abused his power, undermined America's national security, and is the architect of the failed war in Iran." President Donald Trump has expressed continued support for Hegseth. The House holds a narrow Republican majority of 218-214, meaning a small number of defections could determine the outcome of the impeachment vote.