Republican Rep. Thomas Massie has introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of violating congressional war powers during the conflict with Iran. The move is expected to force a House vote and intensify divisions among Republicans over the Trump administration’s military operations.
Massie, a Kentucky Republican and outspoken critic of the war, presented the impeachment resolution on the House floor on September 15. He alleges that Hegseth continued hostilities against Iran without a declaration of war or specific congressional authorization, despite provisions of the 1973 War Powers Resolution that limit the executive branch’s authority to maintain unauthorized military action.
Reuters+2
The resolution contains eight charges covering the Iran war, alleged civilian casualties, military operations against suspected drug-trafficking vessels, the treatment of Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and U.S. strikes in Yemen. Massie also accuses Hegseth of ignoring congressional directives and using the powers of his office in ways that violated constitutional limits. These are allegations contained in the impeachment articles and have not been established as findings against Hegseth
Under the House’s procedures, Massie’s privileged resolution requires lawmakers to address the impeachment effort within two legislative days. The proposal faces significant obstacles in the Republican-controlled House, but its privileged status could compel members to take a public position on Hegseth’s conduct and the administration’s approach to the Iran conflict.
Axios+2
The Pentagon has defended Hegseth, with press secretary Kingsley Wilson describing him as a “transformative leader” and saying the department remains unified behind his leadership. The impeachment effort comes as Congress continues debating the president’s authority to conduct the Iran war, while lawmakers also face questions about the conflict’s financial cost, civilian impact and effect on U.S. military readiness.
Sources: Information for this report was provided by NPR, CNN, The Guardian, Reuters, Associated Press and official statements from Rep. Thomas Massie’s office.