Republican Representative Thomas Massie has renewed his campaign to impeach US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. His latest move could force the House of Representatives to vote on eight charges by Wednesday. The effort comes amid growing questions about US military actions and the Trump administration’s handling of the Iran war.
Massie, a lawmaker from Kentucky, filed eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth. He claims the defense secretary abused his office, ordered unlawful military actions and ignored the constitutional role of Congress. Speaking before fellow lawmakers, Massie said Hegseth had committed “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
The resolution raises several serious claims about Hegseth’s conduct at the Pentagon. However, the accusations have not been proven in court or through an impeachment trial. Hegseth has dismissed the effort as a political attack.
Massie first introduced the impeachment articles on September 15. The House did not consider them at the time because Speaker Mike Johnson called lawmakers into recess. The Kentucky Republican has now brought the measure back, creating a new deadline for action.
House rules require lawmakers to hold a vote by Wednesday. Massie believes some Republicans may join Democrats in supporting the measure. However, the number of lawmakers ready to back impeachment remains unclear.
Republicans still control the House until January, when newly elected members take office. Democrats are expected to take control after their gains in the midterm elections. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has already made his position clear. On Sunday, he said he was a “hard yes” on impeaching Hegseth and added that the defense secretary had to leave his job.
The eight articles focus on military action, civilian deaths and the use of government power. One major charge concerns US attacks on Iran and Yemen. Massie argues that Hegseth helped launch military operations without approval from Congress. He says these actions weakened the constitutional power of lawmakers to decide when the United States goes to war.
Another charge concerns civilian deaths during the conflict in Iran. The resolution accuses Hegseth of failing to follow laws that seek to protect civilians during military operations. It refers to a school strike in Iran that reportedly killed more than 100 children.
Massie also challenges US military strikes against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. He claims that people aboard the vessels were killed and left without rescue after the attacks. The resolution describes the incidents as extrajudicial killings and questions whether the operations followed US law.
The impeachment articles also address the Pentagon’s response to Senator Mark Kelly and other public figures. Kelly, a Democrat, and others had urged military personnel not to obey illegal orders. Massie claims Hegseth’s investigation and threats of prosecution against them violated the First Amendment. He argues that the actions restricted their right to speak freely.
A further charge concerns the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Massie says the operation was illegal and unconstitutional. The resolution places responsibility on Hegseth for his alleged role in the action.
Hegseth has pushed back against the growing pressure. In a video released on Thursday, he described the impeachment threat as “the politics of personal destruction.” He said the effort would not succeed in forcing him out of office.
The dispute has also emerged after Republicans suffered major losses in the recent midterm elections. President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and other Republican leaders have linked the results to the Iran war and its impact on household budgets. Rising costs have become a major concern for voters, including those who have traditionally supported Republicans.
On Monday, Hegseth visited the Naval War College and announced changes to military education. He said the new approach would prepare US officers to act with greater speed, precision and force. He argued that this would strengthen deterrence and make other countries less willing to challenge American military power.
His Thursday video has also drawn criticism from watchdog groups. Common Cause and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington said the message may violate the Hatch Act. The law restricts the use of government funds and resources for partisan political purposes.
The House vote will determine whether the impeachment case moves forward. If the articles pass, the Senate will consider the charges. Removing Hegseth from office would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate.
