Republican Thomas Massie Introduces Impeachment Articles Against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

The update

Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, accusing him of illegally waging war without congressional authorization. Massie said Hegseth had engaged in hostilities in Iran for more than 90 days without authorization and had abused his powers. The move starts a two-day clock for the House to consider the resolution, so a vote could come this week. Hegseth said he was not worried and will hold a news conference on Tuesday.

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Why it matters

Impeaching a cabinet secretary is rare: the House has voted to impeach only two in United States history, and the Senate removed neither. Massie pressed ahead after Republicans lost the House and Senate in last week’s midterms, urging President Donald Trump to replace Hegseth now, while the current Senate can still confirm a successor, rather than face a Democratic process next year. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called himself a hard yes, and some outgoing Republicans may also back the bid.

What to watch

Speaker Mike Johnson must schedule consideration within two days, whether as a direct vote, a committee referral, or a vote to set it aside. Hegseth’s Tuesday news conference will be his first since May. Impeachment needs a simple House majority; removal needs two-thirds of the Senate.

Sources

• bbc.co.uk — confirms the Iran war-powers accusation, the two-day timetable and Hegseth’s response
• abc.net.au — confirms the eight articles, the support claims and the removal thresholds

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