Massie Reintroduces Impeachment Articles Against Hegseth Over Iran War

Lame-duck Rep. Thomas Massie reintroduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, charging him with conducting the Iran war without congressional approval, according to the New York Post ^[1]. Massie stated in his floor speech that Hegseth abused the powers of his high office by executing an unlawful order to commence hostilities despite the absence of a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization.

The move comes just days after Republicans suffered significant losses in the Nov. 3 congressional elections, which the Independent reported contributed to calls for Hegseth’s ouster ^[2]. Massie, a Kentucky Republican who is retiring from Congress at the end of the year, told The Post that he believes the measure is more likely to pass after the election than before ^[1]. NBC News noted that Massie brought the measure up as privileged under House rules, forcing Republican leaders to bring it to a floor vote within two legislative days ^[3].

Hegseth has refused to step down and intends to serve through the end of President Donald Trump’s term, according to the New York Post ^[1]. He dismissed the impeachment push as political noise, telling reporters he was not worried about the threat and that his team was focused on the mission ^[2]. Hegseth said he would hold a rare news conference Tuesday to address the impeachment efforts, his first briefing since May.

The articles include eight charges, according to NBC News, alleging extrajudicial killings related to strikes on alleged drug boats, the kidnapping of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, and an unlawful war in Yemen ^[3]. Massie argued that Hegseth demonstrated he would remain a threat to the Constitution if allowed to remain in office ^[1]. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., voiced strong support for the impeachment efforts, citing the war's impact on national security and prices.

President Trump defended Hegseth, saying he was guilty of "basically winning two wars" and that it was hard to impeach someone who saved the Middle East and Israel, according to the Independent ^[2]. Hegseth argued the war was necessary to confront Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon, noting that the choice was to act or wish the threat away. With Republicans holding only a five-seat majority, a handful of additional GOP representatives would need to vote in favor of Massie’s measure for it to pass, the New York Post reported ^[1]. A vote is expected as early as Wednesday.