Massie Reintroduces Impeachment Articles Against Hegseth
The Kentucky Republican filed eight charges against the Defense Secretary, including violations of the War Powers Resolution and unauthorized military actions in the Caribbean.
By Rosa Wojcik ·
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., reintroduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday. The move sets up a House vote within the next two days. This is the second time Massie has attempted to bring the resolution to the floor. He first introduced the bill before the midterm elections. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., called an early recess to prevent a vote, causing the original resolution to expire.
The new resolution lists eight specific charges. Three count as illegal acts of war against Iran in violation of the War Powers Resolution. One charge accuses Hegseth of ignoring laws meant to minimize civilian casualties. Another cites extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean during strikes on alleged drug boats. One charge involves the suppression of free speech, linked to efforts to punish Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., for a video telling service members they can refuse illegal orders. The resolution also includes charges for the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro without congressional authorization and for illegally waging war against Yemen.
Hegseth responded to the filings in a video released last Thursday. He dismissed the effort as sham articles of impeachment. The Defense Secretary stated that the process did not work against President Trump and would not work with him.
Massie has been a vocal critic of Hegseth for some time. During the recent GOP primary, Hegseth campaigned for Ed Gallrein, who defeated Massie. When Hegseth labeled Massie a disgruntled defeated congressman, Massie agreed with part of that description on Monday. He told reporters he is indeed a defeated congressman but not disgruntled. Massie described impeachment as a method of firing someone without jail time or fines. He warned that Democrats would be very vicious when they take charge.
The Kentucky Republican said the effort highlights the need to test congressional war powers in court. He noted that the War Powers Resolution has been largely ignored by presidents of both parties. Massie said the core issue is the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress.
Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio., called impeachment hypocritical given historical precedents. He told NPR that trying to scapegoat Hegseth is standard Washington politics. Davidson argued it would be a mistake to impeach. He suggested lawmakers use the power of the purse to withhold funding instead.
Presumptive next House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has signaled support for an impeachment push. Democrats, Massie, and a small group of Republicans could provide enough House votes to impeach Hegseth. However, the Senate requires a two-thirds majority to convict and remove him from office. That threshold is difficult to reach.
