Republican moves to impeach Pentagon chief Hegseth over Iran war as Trump vows support
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie has introduced eight articles of impeachment against U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of violating the Constitution and federal law, including in his handling of the war with Iran.
The resolution, introduced on Nov. 9, could come to a vote in the House of Representatives as early as this week, The New York Times reported.
Three of the charges concern the Iran war, including allegations that Hegseth conducted military operations without congressional authorization and continued the campaign after Congress directed President Donald Trump to end the conflict or seek approval.
Other charges involve military strikes against suspected drug traffickers, the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, unauthorized operations in Yemen, failure to minimize civilian casualties and alleged retaliation against Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly.
Hegseth dismissed the impeachment effort as a "political sham." Trump defended his defense secretary and promised to stand by him.
"Massie has a lot of hatred in his heart," Trump told CNN. "We won two wars, and we've made the world a lot safer place, and then we're supposed to be impeached?"
The House could consider the resolution by Wednesday, Nov. 11. Democrats have signaled support, while several Republicans have criticized Hegseth without committing to impeachment.
A simple majority in the House would be needed to impeach Hegseth, followed by a Senate trial requiring a two-thirds majority of senators present to remove him from office.
The effort comes after Democrats won control of both chambers in the November midterm elections. The new Congress takes office on Jan. 3, potentially giving Democrats another opportunity to pursue the case if the current House does not approve it.