November 9th ~ Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, has formally introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, setting in motion a House vote that could occur within the next two legislative days. The move marks a rare attempt by a member of the president’s own party to remove a sitting Cabinet secretary.
The impeachment resolution contains eight articles accusing Hegseth of constitutional and legal violations stemming largely from U.S. military actions in Iran and other overseas operations. Massie argues that the defense secretary violated the War Powers Resolution by engaging in military hostilities without congressional authorization and by continuing operations after Congress sought to limit or terminate them.
Speaking on the House floor, Massie said the defense secretary had acted “grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law” and should be removed from office. The Kentucky congressman, who lost his primary election earlier this year, has been among the administration’s most vocal Republican critics on war powers issues.
Under House rules, the privileged resolution requires congressional leaders to take action, either through a vote, committee referral, or procedural motion. A simple majority in the House would be required to impeach Hegseth, while conviction and removal in the Senate would require support from two-thirds of senators.
President Trump has vowed to stand by Pete Hegseth during this process.
Photo credit to @ AP Photo/Allison Robbert.
