Massie Seeks Impeachment of Hegseth
The Kentucky Republican introduced a resolution Monday to force a House vote on removing the Defense Secretary, a move Speaker Mike Johnson calls a political tactic.
By Yuki Melnyk ·
Rep. Thomas Massie introduced an impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, the first day of House sessions following the midterm elections.
The measure targets Hegseth’s management of military operations in Iran, Yemen, and Venezuela. Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, argued that these actions constitute high crimes and misdemeanors. The text asserts that the secretary’s leadership at the Pentagon warrants removal from office.
A House vote could occur by mid-week. Most Democrats are expected to support the resolution. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated over the weekend that it is time for Hegseth to leave his post. Republicans, many of whom attributed their election losses to the Iran conflict, now face a pressure vote. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, warned against removing a cabinet member during active hostilities.
Johnson opened the chamber by describing the timing as a terrible look for allies and enemies. He stated that the move serves political gain rather than procedural necessity. “We don’t impeach Cabinet secretaries for political gain or for cheap tricks, and I think that’s what this is and I think everybody knows it,” Johnson said.
Hegseth responded to the push from the Naval War College in Rhode Island. He dismissed the effort as noise driven by political disagreements with success. The secretary said he is eager to litigate the military actions, referring to them as historic. He specifically named the campaigns in Iran, against the Houthis, and in Venezuela.
Hegseth announced a news conference for Tuesday, his first in more than 180 days. He also claimed that Iran is devastated by the conflict. This assertion stands despite the Islamic Republic continuing to strike U.S. military bases and commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions in the waterway, which previously carried one-fifth of the world’s oil, have raised energy prices for voters.
President Donald Trump defended Hegseth on Sunday night. The president stated that Hegseth is guilty of winning two wars and saving the Middle East and Israel. Trump noted that it is difficult to impeach someone for achieving those results. Hegseth agreed with the president’s stance, noting that the war was a necessary bold move against the Iranian nuclear program.
Hegseth’s team has mobilized on social media to support the secretary. Pentagon appointees have posted images of Hegseth with the text “Stand. Fight. Defend the Republic.” The White House also shared a video featuring Trump’s praise. According to an AP Voter Poll of more than 100,000 voters, about 6 in 10 said the U.S. made the wrong decision regarding military action in Iran.
