Rep. Thomas Massie introduces impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has filed eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of waging war without congressional authorization and abusing his powers. Massie said the articles allege "high crimes and misdemeanors" and "unlawful orders" carried out by Hegseth while in office.

The resolution, which must be voted on by Wednesday under House rules, claims Hegseth authorized attacks on Iran and Yemen, violated laws intended to protect civilians, and ordered the sinking of suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean without rescue efforts. It also alleges that Hegseth’s investigation of Senator Mark Kelly and others for urging troops to refuse illegal orders infringes on First Amendment rights, and that the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was unlawful.

House Speaker Mike Johnson recessed the chamber before the articles could be considered when they were first introduced on September 15. Some Republican members are expected to support a vote, while House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries said he would vote "yes" on impeachment.

In response, Hegseth released a video describing the impeachment effort as "politics of personal destruction" and asserting it would not succeed. Watchdog groups Common Cause and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington said the video may violate the Hatch Act, which restricts the use of government resources for partisan political activity.

"Hegseth has got to go," Jeffries told ABC News.

The impeachment move comes amid broader political debate over the United States' recent military actions in the Middle East and the administration’s handling of related domestic political fallout.