Republican Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) moved Monday to force a House vote to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, exposing divisions within President Donald Trump’s party after its midterm election losses.
Massie Revives Impeachment Effort Over Iran War
“We’re not indicting him for being bad at his job,” Massie told reporters on Monday, arguing that Hegseth had been effective at carrying out alleged unlawful military operations. “There’s no argument in these impeachment articles that he’s ineffective.”
Massie filed eight articles of impeachment, setting up a potential House vote within two legislative days. The charges include three allegations that Hegseth waged war against Iran without congressional authorization, as well as accusations involving civilian casualties, military strikes against suspected drug traffickers, retaliation against Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and military operations in Yemen.
Republican Divisions Deepen As Democrats Back Removal
Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) supported impeachment, while House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) opposed proceeding during overseas hostilities.
Republican Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and French Hill (R-Ark.) also expressed growing reservations about Hegseth’s leadership but stopped short of endorsing impeachment. Bacon said he was “wrestling” with whether to support the resolution, while Hill said he wanted to hear the debate before deciding whether Hegseth’s conduct warranted impeachment or another form of action.
House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) acknowledged mounting concerns, saying, “There’s a lot of questions about Hegseth,” particularly regarding the administration’s Iran strategy.
Republican concerns have also intensified over Hegseth’s congressional relationships and the administration’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense package. Massie previously urged Trump to dismiss Hegseth before lawmakers voted.
Trump And Rubio Defend Embattled Pentagon Chief
Trump defended Hegseth in a November 9 Reuters interview, saying, “Well, he won two wars. I don’t know how you can impeach him.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio also praised Hegseth’s performance, while the Pentagon chief dismissed concerns about Republican support.
Hegseth vowed to defend his record and scheduled a press conference for Tuesday. His continued resistance to resignation calls has sharpened the confrontation.
Although impeachment could pass the narrowly divided House, removal requires a two-thirds Senate majority. Republicans retain control of both chambers until January 3, when Democrats assume power.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
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