Republican Lawmaker Launches Impeachment Fight Against Defense Secretary Hegseth Amid Iran Conflict
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Rep. Thomas Massie has filed eight impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Iran-related military actions, setting up a likely House vote this week and intensifying political fallout.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky filed eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, claiming that he launched a war against Iran without congressional approval and abused his authority. The filing triggers a two-day window for a House vote, which could happen as early as this week.
Massie warned that House leadership could resort to procedural tricks to dodge a direct vote on the substance of the resolution. > "They may try to get out of an actual vote on the substance of this. We should have a vote and a rigorous debate on these eight articles," he told reporters.
President Donald Trump defended Hegseth in a Reuters interview, stating, "Well, he won two wars. I don't know how you can impeach him."
House Speaker Mike Johnson also opposed the impeachment effort, saying it would send the wrong signal to allies and enemies. > "Impeachment in the middle of hostilities abroad would be a terrible thing for our allies and our enemies to see."
Hegseth responded on social media, comparing the move to the two impeachment proceedings faced by Trump and saying he would not resign. He announced a Pentagon press conference for Tuesday.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as White House national security adviser, expressed support for Hegseth, stating, "I think Pete's done a good job. I really do."
The impeachment push comes amid Republican infighting over the Iran conflict and rising voter frustration, which contributed to Democratic gains in recent midterm elections. Massie, a vocal critic of President Trump, warned that Democratic control of the House in January could mean more intense scrutiny of Hegseth. > "They will hold hearings and trials. President Trump should replace Secretary Hegseth now while he can still get a replacement confirmed in the Senate."
Democrats have pledged investigations into Hegseth's actions, including his decision to fire the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and alleged violations of Senator Mark Kelly's free-speech rights. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated strong support for impeachment.
If the House votes to impeach, the Senate would need a two-thirds majority to convict, a threshold that appears unlikely given the current partisan balance.