WASHINGTON: Republican Representative Thomas Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, seeking a House vote over the Iran war and alleged abuses of power.
The privileged resolution requires House action within two legislative days. However, Republican leaders could seek a procedural vote to shelve it rather than allow a direct impeachment decision.
Massie, a Kentucky Republican, accused Hegseth of violating congressional war powers by conducting and continuing hostilities against Iran without the required authorisation.
His resolution includes three articles concerning the Iran conflict. Other allegations address civilian protections, lethal strikes against suspected drug-trafficking boats, retaliation against Senator Mark Kelly, the seizure of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and military operations in Yemen. Those charges represent Massie’s allegations, not findings of wrongdoing.
President Donald Trump defended Hegseth in an interview with Reuters on Monday, citing US military operations in Iran and Venezuela.
“Well, he won two wars. I don’t know how you can impeach him,” Trump said.
His characterisation of the Iran conflict contrasted with its continuing military and diplomatic impasse.
Hegseth dismissed concerns about whether he had sufficient Republican support to defeat the effort. He has also pledged to resist the impeachment campaign and defend his record at the Pentagon.
House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the initiative, arguing that impeaching the defence secretary during overseas hostilities would send a damaging signal to allies and adversaries.
By contrast, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries confirmed his support for impeachment on Sunday.
Republicans retain control of the current House until the new Congress takes office on January 3, 2027. Democrats won both chambers in last week’s midterm elections, increasing pressure on the administration over the Iran war.
A House majority could approve impeachment, but that would not itself remove Hegseth from office. Conviction in a Senate trial requires two-thirds of senators present.
Read More: Trump Links US Midterm Losses to Iran War, Backs Hegseth
William Belknap, the secretary of war whom the House impeached in 1876, provides a historical precedent. He resigned before impeachment, but the House proceeded, and the Senate later acquitted him.
Massie urged Trump to replace Hegseth before Democrats assume control, warning that they would pursue investigations and hearings.
Hegseth has announced a Pentagon press conference for Tuesday to address the impeachment effort.
(With input from Reuters and ABC News.)
