Eight Articles Target Hegseth's Iran War Decisions

Rep. Thomas Massie filed eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday.

The action took place on the first day of the new House session following the midterm elections. The resolution focuses primarily on Hegseth's conduct during the war with Iran. Massie also cited Hegseth's role in military operations in Venezuela and Yemen. The lawmaker argued that the measures address legal violations rather than job performance. He stated that Hegseth was effective at killing school children and conducting extrajudicial killings. Massie said the articles claim Hegseth broke laws and violated the Constitution.

This is Massie's second attempt to remove Hegseth from office. In September, he introduced a similar resolution. House Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned lawmakers early to avoid a floor vote. Johnson may use the same tactic this week. Massie is urging the Speaker to bring the resolution to the floor despite the GOP majority. He told reporters that the party can still do the right thing.

Democratic leaders have signaled support for the measure. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called himself a hard yes on the vote. He described Hegseth as the architect of a reckless and costly failed war of choice in Iran. Jeffries said the Secretary has abused power and undermined national security.

President Donald Trump responded to the move during a press briefing at the White House. He said he would stand by Hegseth and asked Congress to do the same. Trump called Massie a stone-cold loser and said he should not take up the time of Congress or the Senate. Massie is a vocal critic of Trump who lost his May primary to Trump-endorsed challenger Ed Gallrein.

Hegseth is scheduled to hold a press briefing at the Pentagon on Tuesday morning. It will be his first public address in more than 180 days. The Secretary is expected to respond to the impeachment articles during the session.