Hegseth impeachment vote likely within days
Rep. Thomas Massie plans to reintroduce articles of impeachment for the Defense Secretary as the House convenes after the midterm election losses.
By James Mitchell ·
Representative Thomas Massie said he will reintroduce articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as soon as the House returns next week. The move aims to force a vote on the secretary's removal from office.
Massie, a Kentucky Republican who lost his primary in the recent midterms, confirmed the timeline in an interview. He stated he will "definitely" bring the measure back to the floor. His initial effort focused on Hegseth waging the Iran war without explicit congressional approval.
The push for impeachment gains urgency as Democrats secure control of Congress in January. Massie suggested on social media that Trump should fire Hegseth immediately. He argued that a Republican-controlled Senate could confirm a successor quickly before that window closes.
Massie wrote that his resolution is a "much gentler version" of the process Democrats would initiate if they took charge. He noted that a Democratic-led Congress would likely hold hearings and trials. A House vote would compel the Senate to begin a trial unless Republicans muster enough votes to dismiss the matter.
Vice President JD Vance attributed the Republican midterm defeat directly to the Iran conflict. In a post on X on Wednesday, he said, "The reason we lost is the war." He questioned whether losing the Senate for the next six years was worth the outcome.
Hegseth defended his record in a six-minute video posted to X on Thursday. He referred to Massie as a "disgruntled, defeated congressman" who filed "sham articles of impeachment against yours truly." Hegseth highlighted his support for the department's mission despite internal friction.
President Trump has publicly backed Hegseth, describing him as having done a "fantastic job" in remarks to reporters on Thursday. Trump suggested opposition stems from Hegseth's crackdown on Pentagon diversity initiatives. However, Hegseth has few allies in Congress following combative oversight hearings and disputes over war costs.
The impeachment effort is expected to draw widespread Democratic support. Some Republican lawmakers who lost their seats may not return for the lame duck session, potentially increasing the margin for impeachment. Hegseth has faced criticism since his nomination, with lawmakers questioning his qualifications to lead the military.
