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

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie read an eight-article impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the House floor, alleging the secretary abused his authority by initiating hostilities against Iran without congressional approval. Massie cited violations of the War Powers Resolution of 1973, claims that Hegseth ignored laws intended to limit civilian casualties, and accusations of extrajudicial killings of suspected drug traffickers on small vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

Massie also alleged that Hegseth suppressed free speech by attempting to intimidate Senator Mark Kelly, and that he was involved in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The resolution references a February strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran, which Massie says resulted in over 200 civilian deaths after three Tomahawk missiles were launched from U.S. Navy ships.

Hegseth defended his record, describing his actions as making the world safer and dismissing the impeachment effort as politically motivated. He told reporters he was not concerned about the resolution gaining enough votes to pass. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also described the impeachment attempt as unfair.

While Republicans retain control of both chambers until January, the House could approve the resolution if a few Republicans join Democrats, though a Senate conviction would still be required to remove Hegseth from office. Massie, who announced his retirement, had signaled his intention to pursue impeachment following the recent midterm elections.