Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, with the House set for a vote as early as this week.
The push to impeach Hegseth comes after Democrats won a majority in both houses of Congress in last week’s midterm elections. Many Republicans, including Vice President J.D. Vance, have cited the Iran war led by Mr. Hegseth as the reason for their disastrous campaign defeat.
The Kentucky Republican, who lost his reelection bid in the Republican primary earlier this year, filed eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth. These include waging war in violation of the War Powers Resolution passed by Congress, extrajudicial killings related to boat strikes in the Caribbean that allegedly targeted drug smugglers, and suppression of free speech targeting veteran Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.).
“Thus, by doing so, Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth has demonstrated that he remains a threat to the Constitution if allowed to remain President, and has acted in gross contradiction to his office and the rule of law,” Massey read from the House floor. “Peter Brian Hegseth is therefore warranted to be impeached and tried, removed from office, and disqualified from holding and enjoying any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States.”
Massey’s resolution would force House Republican leaders to bring the bill to a vote by the end of this week. Impeachment resolutions are privileged, and the House must act on them within two legislative days and vote to table them or refer them to a committee.
Although this is a highly unusual measure, Congress has the power to impeach ministers. House Republican leaders have not yet announced how they plan to deal with Hegseth’s impeachment, and it is unclear whether they have the votes to pass Massie’s bill after the election.
Republicans hold a slim 218-214 majority in the House, meaning only a small number of Republican defections could lead to Hegseth’s impeachment.
Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York held a press conference Monday at the Capitol for the first time since last Tuesday’s election and reiterated his support for impeaching Hegseth. “Pete Hegseth abused his power and undermined America’s national security. He is the architect of a reckless and failed war of choice in Iran,” Jeffries said.
Mr. Hegseth appears to be preparing for an impeachment fight. Last week, the secretary released a video defending his actions at the top of the Pentagon, where the department is leading a media campaign called “Stand, Fight, Defend the Republic.” President Donald Trump also supports Hegseth.
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