Massie forces House vote to impeach Hegseth over Iran
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) on Tuesday launched an effort to impeach Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, citing the Pentagon’s military actions against Iran. Massie, a frequent critic of President Trump, accused Hegseth of launching an illegal war that was not approved by Congress.
Massie introduced articles of impeachment on the House floor against Hegseth for “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
He made his resolution privileged, forcing it to the floor for a vote. By House rules, the vote must come within two days.
Massie argued that Hegseth violated “his oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States” and violated “his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, especially with regard to the commission of war.” He added that Hegseth has “abused the powers of the Department of Defense.”
It is not clear whether the resolution will garner GOP support.
Massie lost his primary to Trump-backed Ed Gallrein in May. He has previously introduced war powers resolutions to limit Trump’s military actions in Iran.
The House has passed two war powers resolutions, with a few Republicans joining Democrats in favor of them. Under the War Powers Resolution, a president must end unauthorized U.S. military involvement within 60 days unless Congress formally declares war or otherwise approves the operation. The president may also receive an additional 30 days to safely withdraw U.S. troops.
The Hill has reached out to Hegseth’s office for comment.
