Hegseth faces new impeachment bid in House

Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has reintroduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The resolution sets up a vote in the House of Representatives within the next two days.

The eight charges allege that Hegseth committed high crimes and misdemeanors. Three counts cite illegal wars against Iran in violation of the War Powers Resolution. One charge concerns an illegal war against Yemen. Other counts include ignoring laws to minimize civilian casualties, overseeing extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean, and suppressing free speech regarding Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona.

One count addresses the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro without congressional authorization. Massie first sought to bring the resolution to the floor before the midterm elections. Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana called an early recess to avoid the vote, causing the original resolution to expire.

Hegseth defended his record in a video released last Thursday. He dismissed the effort as sham articles of impeachment. Hegseth said, “Didn't work against President Trump and it won't work with me.”

Massie told reporters on Monday that he is a defeated congressman but not disgruntled. He described impeachment as firing someone without jail time or fines. Massie said the effort underscores the need to litigate whether Congress has real war powers. He stated, “What's at heart here is the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress.”

Presumptive next House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries of New York has signaled support for an impeachment push. Even some Republicans who oppose the move said the administration could better explain the Iran war plan to Congress. Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio told NPR that impeachment would be hypocritical given past administrations. Davidson said, “I think it would be a mistake to impeach.”

Votes in the House may be sufficient with all Democrats, Massie, and a few Republicans. It is unlikely the measure will clear the Senate threshold of two-thirds for conviction and removal.