House Republicans move to impeach War Secretary Hegseth after election loss
A privileged resolution could force a vote on removing the Pentagon chief as early as next week, driven by anger over the Iran conflict and midterm defeats.
By Elena Greco ·
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth faces a bipartisan push to impeach him when Congress convenes next week. Several House Republicans told Fox News Digital that a resolution to remove him could pass as early as the first legislative session after the midterm elections.
The drive stems from frustration over the war in Iran, a sentiment that has grown louder following Tuesday's elections. Democrats secured historic victories in both the House and Senate, ending the Republican hold on both chambers. The Fox News Decision Desk projected a Democratic takeover of the House shortly before midnight on Tuesday evening.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., plans to file a privileged resolution to force a vote on impeachment. This procedural tool allows a minority or dissenting group to compel a vote on a bill even if majority leaders oppose it. Once filed, the resolution must be voted on within two legislative days.
However, the process includes a preliminary vote to either table the bill or send it to committee, steps that usually end such measures. In this instance, multiple House Republicans believe the initial hurdle will be cleared. One lawmaker described Hegseth's position as dire, stating, "He's screwed." A second House Republican predicted, "If he introduces it, it'll pass." Two additional members shared that expectation.
Attendance will determine the outcome. One GOP official noted that many Republicans who lost their seats in Tuesday's vote may not return for the final two months of the year. With a narrow Republican majority, a small number of absentees could allow Democrats to block the measure or pass it if all House Democrats vote together.
White House officials have reacted to the developing situation. President Donald Trump told reporters he believes Hegseth is doing a good job. However, a current White House official stated that Tuesday's results would have looked different without the Iran war. That official added, "I believe you’ll ultimately see [Trump] hold Pete Hegseth accountable and that will play out in the lame duck." A former White House official said, "Hegseth is on the chopping block."
White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis criticized the potential impeachment push on Thursday. She said, "If Democrats choose to pursue sham investigations and radical left policies, they are choosing to work against the American people." Another White House official warned that Democrats are abusing their power. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell dismissed rumors of a top-down removal. He said, "Secretary Hegseth will not back down or be deterred by politicians seeking to score partisan points."
Support for impeachment exists across the aisle. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., who is expected to become the next speaker, posted on X on Thursday morning, "Why is Pete Hegseth still around?" Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., who is set to lead the House Armed Services Committee, said last month that he believes Hegseth is not qualified for the job. If impeached, Hegseth would remain in office until a Senate trial concludes.
