Republican Lawmaker Forces House Vote to Impeach Defense Secretary Hegseth

A Republican lawmaker is set to force a House vote this week on impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging constitutional violations.

“By engaging in hostilities in Iran for over 90 days without congressional authorization, Secretary Hegseth is breaking the law and must be held accountable,” said Representative Thomas Massie.

The measure is unlikely to succeed, as Republicans currently control Congress until January. However, Massie says he aims to pressure President Donald Trump into removing Hegseth before Democrats can initiate their own impeachment proceedings.

Hegseth, who plans to address the matter at a news conference on Tuesday, said he is not concerned.

“We’re not worried about that,” Hegseth told reporters on Monday when asked about the upcoming resolution, adding that he would hold a Tuesday morning news conference “on that very topic.”

Hegseth’s previous news conference took place in May.

Massie, who lost his re-election bid earlier this year, is among the few Republicans critical of President Trump and the conflict in Iran that began earlier this year.

The Kentucky congressman introduced impeachment articles in September and is now pushing for a vote following the Republican loss of both the House and Senate in last week’s midterm elections. He said his effort to remove Hegseth is intended to prevent what he calls a Democratic spectacle next year.

“My effort to impeach Secretary Hegseth is a much gentler version of what is coming when Democrats assume control of the House and Senate next year,” Massie said in a statement. “They will hold hearings and trials.”

“President Trump should replace Secretary Hegseth now while he can still secure Senate confirmation for a successor,” he added.

Impeaching a cabinet secretary is exceedingly rare. Removal requires approval from both chambers of Congress. The House has voted to impeach only two cabinet members in U.S. history, but the Senate refused to convict in either case.

Once Massie introduces the resolution, expected later Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson must schedule consideration within two days. The House may vote directly on the measure, refer it to a committee, or set it aside.

Massie is likely to receive Democratic support in the House; Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on Sunday that he is a “hard yes” on impeachment. Still, Massie would need to persuade members of his own party.

The House has passed multiple War Powers resolutions this year seeking to prevent further military action by President Trump in Iran, with Massie’s support.

Massie’s disagreements with Hegseth extend beyond Iran, he said in the statement.

He has accused Hegseth of intimidating critics of the Trump administration, abducting foreign leaders, and disregarding congressional war powers resolutions.

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