US Representative Thomas Massie renewed an eight-article impeachment resolution against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth as Congress returned after the midterms. The allegations concern the Iran war and other operations. Hegseth defended the administration’s actions. Republicans still control the current Congress, although Democrats will take over both chambers in January.
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Massie returns the resolution to the House
Republican US Representative Thomas Massie read eight impeachment articles against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on the House floor on 9 November, renewing a September initiative that never reached a vote.[1], [2]
The filing came at Congress’s first sitting after the midterm elections. Massie alleges Hegseth waged the Iran war without congressional approval. Hegseth has defended the administration’s military actions and said he was prepared to do so before Congress.[1]
Eight articles cover several military operations
Massie argues that the Iran war violated the War Powers Resolution and endangered the constitutional order. The resolution also alleges that strikes on suspected narcotics boats in the Caribbean and Pacific ignored mandatory safeguards. Other accusations concern former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro’s abduction, press access restrictions at the Pentagon and war against Yemen’s Houthis. Speaker Mike Johnson criticised the initiative as politically motivated; Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries had previously backed impeachment.[1]
January changes congressional control
Massie urged Hegseth to resign before Democrats take control of Congress. Democrats won both chambers in the midterms, but the new Congress takes office in January and Republicans retain control of the current session. Approving impeachment charges requires a simple House majority; removing the secretary requires a separate Senate trial and a two-thirds conviction vote. Massie is leaving Congress after losing his primary to a Trump-backed challenger.[1]
