Massie Files Impeachment Resolution Against Defense Secretary Hegseth

A Kentucky Republican introduced a formal move to remove the defense secretary on Monday.

Rep. Thomas Massie filed a resolution to impeach Pete Hegseth for allegedly executing illegal military orders. The resolution targets the administration's operations in Iran, Yemen, and Venezuela. Massie read the document on the House floor shortly after Congress resumed sessions following the midterm elections. The text describes Hegseth's actions as high crimes and misdemeanors. It argues that the secretary deliberately implemented unlawful directives and poses a threat to the Constitution.

The resolution may face a vote in the House by midweek. Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has already backed the effort. With most Democrats voting in favor, Massie needs support from only a few Republicans to pass the chamber. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also voiced support, stating that Hegseth should face a trial in the Senate. House Speaker Mike Johnson has tried to block the vote. He argued that impeaching a leader during active foreign hostilities sends a negative signal to U.S. allies and adversaries. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he does not understand the timing of the vote but noted the chamber will decide next steps if the resolution advances.

Hegseth has defended the military campaigns ordered by President Donald Trump. Speaking at the Naval War College in Rhode Island, the secretary dismissed the impeachment effort as politically motivated. He said he is ready to debate the operations for as long as necessary. Hegseth supported Trump's decision to strike Iran, even after Vice President J.D. Vance linked some Republican election losses to the war's consequences. The secretary agreed with Trump's statement that he would make the same decision again.

Hegseth announced a news conference for Tuesday. This will be his first in more than 180 days. He plans to address the impeachment threat and the accusations against him. The Pentagon justified the offensive by citing advances in Iran's nuclear program. Tehran has maintained for years that its nuclear activities serve peaceful purposes. The International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Iran holds 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%. This level is close to the 90% required for nuclear weapons.

President Trump defended Hegseth on Sunday. He attributed the secretary's management to the results of the military operations. "He is guilty basically of two things: winning two wars," the president said. Hegseth insisted that the attacks devastated Iran. The country has maintained the ability to strike U.S. military bases in the Middle East and commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Damage to U.S. installations and interruptions to maritime transit have contributed to higher energy prices. The strait previously carried one-fifth of the world's oil.

An AP Voter Poll surveyed more than 100,000 voters. Approximately six in ten respondents said the United States made the wrong decision by taking military action against Iran. Republicans currently hold majorities in both chambers of Congress. That distribution will change when the new Congress convenes in January. Democrats will lead the House at that time. If the House approves the impeachment, the Senate will decide whether to dismiss the charges or hold a trial to determine Hegseth's removal.