Rep. Thomas Massie Introduces Impeachment Resolution Against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, moved on the first day of the new House session to introduce a resolution that would force a vote on impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The resolution cites the war in Iran and also references Hegseth’s involvement in military operations in Yemen and Venezuela.

Massie described the secretary’s actions as “high crimes and misdemeanours” and said his leadership at the Pentagon “warrants impeachment.” He suggested a House vote could occur by mid-week, increasing pressure on Republican members who have linked their recent electoral losses to the Iran war.

House Speaker Mike Johnson warned against impeaching a cabinet secretary while the United States is engaged in overseas hostilities, stating that such a move would present a “terrible look” to allies and adversaries. He added that impeachment should not be used for “political gain or cheap tricks.”

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated that Democrats would support impeachment, calling it time for the secretary to leave office. If the House approves the resolution, the matter would move to the Senate for a trial. Republicans currently hold majorities in both chambers, but the new Congress convening in January will be under Democratic control.

Secretary Hegseth defended the military actions, referencing operations code-named “Epic Fury,” “Rough Rider,” and the strike that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro. He said the United States acted to confront Iran’s nuclear program and to halt Houthi attacks on shipping, describing the actions as “historic.” Hegseth also announced a news conference to address the impeachment effort, his first in over 180 days.

President Donald Trump praised Hegseth, saying the secretary “won two wars” and helped protect the Middle East and Israel, and argued that impeachment would be “hard to justify.”