House Republican leaders are facing a growing challenge as more members consider supporting the impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The vote is expected this week. Party leaders fear that several Republicans could break ranks and back the effort.
The growing pressure follows a major defeat for Republicans in the midterm elections. The party lost key races, and anger has spread among its lawmakers. Some defeated members may now feel free to vote against the Trump administration without worrying about future elections.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky is leading the impeachment effort. He plans to force a House vote on a resolution against Hegseth. The proposal accuses the defense secretary of ignoring Congress and continuing the US war in Iran without legal approval.
Republican leaders had kept the measure away from a vote before Election Day. House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled planned votes and sent members home early. This move prevented lawmakers from having to take a public position on the issue during the final weeks of the election campaign.
Johnson has denied that his decision was linked to the impeachment plan. However, the timing would have made the vote difficult for Republicans. Many members were already facing questions about the Iran war and its effect on US politics.
The situation has changed since the party’s election losses. Some Republicans are now more willing to challenge their leaders. The defeat has also led to a growing debate over the decisions made by the Trump administration.
The Iran war has become a major part of that debate. Several GOP lawmakers believe the conflict hurt the party before voters went to the polls. One Republican member said the United States should never have started the war before the midterm elections.
Hegseth has become a central figure in the growing dispute. As defense secretary, he has played a leading role in explaining the military campaign. His public comments have also drawn criticism from some members of his own party.
One Republican lawmaker said Hegseth’s tone and words had made it harder for the administration to explain its actions to the public. The member pointed to US strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities and other military operations.
Retiring Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska has also raised concerns about Hegseth’s support in Congress. Bacon said the defense secretary does not have much support on Capitol Hill. He has not yet decided whether he will vote for the impeachment measure.
Hegseth is also facing pressure within the Trump administration. Some officials are reportedly pushing for him to leave his post. This has added to doubts about his future at the Pentagon.
President Donald Trump defended the defense secretary on Wednesday. He told reporters that he planned to keep Hegseth in his position. The public show of support came as lawmakers prepared for the impeachment vote.
The political situation could become more difficult for Hegseth in January. Democrats are expected to take control of the House. A new Democratic majority would have the power to investigate the defense secretary and start further impeachment proceedings.
Hegseth has rejected the current effort. In a video posted on X on Thursday, he called the impeachment plan a sham. He also attacked Massie, describing him as a disgruntled and defeated congressman.
Massie responded by calling on Trump to replace Hegseth while Republicans still control the Senate. He said he would not bring back the impeachment articles if Hegseth resigned. His statement leaves resignation as the only condition he has named for ending the effort.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended Hegseth in a statement. He said the defense secretary would not be stopped by politicians seeking political attention or launching what he described as false investigations.
Parnell said the Department of War had followed the law. He added that Hegseth remained committed to defending the Constitution, leading US troops and protecting the country.
He also said the department would continue to carry out Trump’s agenda. Parnell stressed that Hegseth planned to remain in charge until the end of the president’s term.
However, a successful House impeachment vote would not remove Hegseth from office. The Senate would first need to hold a trial. Removing him would require a two-thirds majority, which could be difficult to secure.
Even if Democrats take control of the Senate in January, they would still need support from some Republicans. The high vote requirement makes Hegseth’s removal far from certain.
The upcoming vote will offer a clear test of Republican unity. It will also show how much anger over the Iran war has weakened Hegseth’s position. With election losses still fresh, GOP leaders may struggle to keep their members together.
