A Republican congressman has formally moved to force a House vote on impeaching Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, escalating a confrontation over one of the most polarizing leaders in Donald Trump’s administration.
Thomas Massie challenges Pete Hegseth over military operations
Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced eight articles of impeachment against Pete Hegseth, accusing him of waging war without congressional approval and abusing his authority. From the House floor, the outgoing congressman argued that the “Secretary of War” committed “high crimes and misdemeanors” and “has executed unlawful orders” in office.
House rules require the impeachment vote to take place by Wednesday. Massie first filed articles of impeachment against Hegseth on September 15, but House Speaker Mike Johnson called Congress into recess before the chamber could act. Some Republicans are expected to back a vote this time.
The resolution alleges that Hegseth ignored Congress’ war powers by authorizing attacks on Iran and Yemen. It further claims he violated laws meant to protect civilians after more than 100 children died at a school in Iran, and that he ordered extrajudicial killings by directing suspected drug boats in the Caribbean to be sunk without rescuing their crews.
The articles also cite Hegseth’s investigation and threatened prosecution of Senator Mark Kelly and others who called on troops to disobey illegal orders, calling it a First Amendment violation. Massie additionally alleges that the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela was illegal and unconstitutional.
Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the House minority leader widely expected to become speaker, said he is a “hard yes” on impeaching Hegseth. “Hegseth has got to go,” Jeffries told ABC News on Sunday.
Hegseth rejected the effort in a video released on Thursday, calling the impeachment push “all about the politics of personal destruction” adding that it “won’t work with me.” Watchdogs Common Cause and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington said the video violates the Hatch Act, which bars using government funds for partisan political purposes (via The Guardian).
