US Congressman Thomas Massie Revives Impeachment Push Against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

US Representative Thomas Massie has initiated a new resolution seeking the impeachment of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The articles of impeachment cite alleged violations of US laws, including actions related to the war on Iran, strikes on purported drug boats, and other transgressions. Massie, the outgoing lawmaker from Kentucky, presented the resolution in the House of Representatives, accusing Hegseth of executing unlawful orders and posing a threat to the Constitution.

The impeachment articles were reintroduced by Massie at the commencement of the House's first session following the midterm elections. This move comes as Democratic Party leaders have vowed to scrutinize the administration of US President Donald Trump in Congress, following their significant electoral victories.

Massie had previously introduced eight articles of impeachment against the defense secretary in September. At that time, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson prevented a vote by adjourning the session. During a press conference on Monday, Massie expressed his openness to votes from any lawmakers wishing for Hegseth's removal, even if they have not reviewed the bill's specifics. "I understand that some of them just want to vote for this because they just want to see Hegseth gone," Massie stated. "I welcome their vote." He advised Hegseth to resign before Democrats assume control of Congress in January, anticipating that their investigations will involve testimony from senior administration officials regarding the Defense Department's operations under Hegseth.

Hegseth, however, remains resolute, welcoming the prospect of defending his actions before Congress. "There’s a lot of politically motivated people who may have substantial policy disagreements, but their disagreements are with success," Hegseth told reporters. "If we want to litigate" the military actions undertaken by the Trump administration, he added, "I’m happy to do it all day long." He is scheduled to hold a press conference on Tuesday.

Hegseth Accused of Civilian Harm and Extrajudicial Killings

Massie's resolution contends that Hegseth contravened the Constitution by facilitating the war on Iran without congressional authorization, a requirement under the War Powers Resolution. Massie alleges that Hegseth "cultivated a warmaking culture" that disregarded rules of engagement, resulting in civilian casualties. He referenced the bombing of a school in Minab, Iran, which resulted in over 150 fatalities, including approximately 120 children, at the outset of the US-Israel war in February.

Furthermore, the resolution claims that US strikes on alleged narcotics boats in the Caribbean and Pacific bypassed mandatory safeguards and constituted extrajudicial killings orchestrated by Hegseth. Additional charges against Hegseth include the abduction of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, suppression of free speech by limiting media access to the Pentagon, and the execution of an unlawful war in Yemen against the Houthis.

Massie has been a consistent critic of the Trump administration, particularly concerning the Iran war. His vocal opposition previously drew criticism from Trump, who supported a rival Republican candidate that defeated Massie in the primary elections earlier this year.

For Hegseth's impeachment, a majority vote in the 435-member House of Representatives would be necessary, followed by a two-thirds vote in the Senate to remove him from office. While the measure is unlikely to pass in the current Republican-controlled Congress, pressure is expected to intensify once the new Democratic majority takes office in January. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, poised to become Speaker, has voiced his support for Hegseth's impeachment, stating, "The so-called secretary of defence has abused his power, undermined our national security, and engineered this reckless and costly war of choice in Iran."

Despite Democrats holding a Senate majority, they are projected to have around 54 seats, falling short of the 67 votes required for conviction and removal. Massie's attempt to impeach Hegseth faces opposition from within his own Republican Party, including key figures like Speaker Johnson, who dismissed the effort as a "cheap trick" for political gain.

Trump administration officials have resisted impeachment efforts against Hegseth, while acknowledging the war on Iran's unpopularity, which some believe contributed to Republican losses in the midterms. Trump defended Hegseth, stating, "He’s guilty of two things, basically winning two wars." Secretary of State Marco Rubio also defended Hegseth, asserting he has "done a good job" despite criticism, and described the Iran war as "necessary," though not "necessarily popular."