Republican Representative Thomas Massie plans to force a vote in the House of Representatives this week on impeaching Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Massie alleges that Hegseth has violated the US Constitution.
The effort is likely to fail, because Republicans will remain in control of Congress until January. Massie, however, says he wants President Donald Trump to fire Hegseth before Democrats can begin an impeachment process.
Hegseth, who is scheduled to hold a news conference on Tuesday about the move, said he was not concerned. Asked by reporters on Monday about the impending resolution, he said: “We’re not worried about that,” adding that he would hold a news conference on the topic that Tuesday morning. His last news conference was in May.
Massie cites Iran hostilities and congressional authority
In a statement, Massie said: “By engaging in hostilities in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional authorization, Secretary Hegseth is breaking the law and must be held accountable.”
Massie lost his re-election bid earlier this year. He is among the few Republicans who have been critical of Trump and of the war that started earlier this year in Iran.
Massie first introduced impeachment articles in September. He is now pressing for a vote after Republicans lost control of both the House and Senate in last week’s midterm elections. He says the push is meant to prevent a Democratic spectacle next year.
“My effort to impeach Secretary Hegseth is a much gentler version of what’s coming when the Democrats assume control of the House and Senate next year,” Massie said in the statement. “They will hold hearings and trials.” He also said that “President Trump should replace Secretary Hegseth now while he can still get a replacement confirmed in the Senate.”
Steep hurdles facing the impeachment resolution in Congress
Impeaching a cabinet secretary is very rare. For a secretary to be removed from office, both chambers of Congress must approve the impeachment. The House has voted to impeach only two cabinet members in US history, but the Senate did not agree on either one.
Once Massie introduces his resolution, which is expected later on Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson must schedule a time to consider it within two days. The House can vote on the resolution directly, refer it to committee, or set it aside.
Massie is likely to receive support from House Democrats. Their leader, Hakeem Jeffries, said on Sunday that he is a “hard yes” on impeachment. Massie would still need to win over members of his own party.
Earlier war powers votes and wider accusations against Hegseth
The House has passed a War Powers resolution, a measure that seeks to halt Trump from taking further military action in Iran, multiple times this year. Massie supported those measures.
Massie said his disagreement with Hegseth goes beyond Iran. He has accused Hegseth of intimidating critics of the Trump administration, kidnapping foreign leaders and ignoring congressional war powers resolutions.
