Massie files impeachment resolution against Hegseth
The Kentucky representative accuses the Defense Secretary of executing illegal military orders in Iran, Yemen, and Venezuela.
By Riya Zhao ·
Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, introduced a resolution on Monday to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The document accuses the secretary of carrying out illegal military orders during operations in Iran, Yemen, and Venezuela. Massie read the resolution in the House of Representatives shortly after Congress resumed sessions following the mid-term elections.
The resolution focuses primarily on the war in Iran. It also cites Hegseth's role in U.S. military actions in Yemen and Venezuela. Massie described the secretary's conduct as high crimes and misdemeanors, the constitutional basis for impeachment. He argued that Hegseth deliberately implemented illegal orders and now poses a threat to the Constitution.
House leadership may bring the resolution to a vote by midweek. The timing remains uncertain because Democrats now control the House. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries endorsed the effort. If most Democrats vote in favor, Massie needs only a small number of Republican votes to pass the measure. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also supported the move and said Hegseth should face a trial in the upper chamber.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has tried to block a vote on the resolution. He argued that impeaching the defense chief while hostilities continue abroad sends a negative signal to allies and adversaries. Senate Republican Leader John Thune said he does not understand why the vote is happening now. He noted that the Senate will evaluate next steps if the resolution advances.
Hegseth defended the military operations ordered by President Trump. He dismissed the impeachment effort as politically motivated and said he is ready to debate the actions for as long as needed. The secretary announced he will hold a news conference on Tuesday, his first in more than 180 days, to respond to the accusations. He justified the offensive against Iran by pointing to the country's nuclear program.
The International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Iran holds 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent. This level is close to the 90 percent required for nuclear weapons. President Trump defended Hegseth on Sunday, stating the secretary is guilty of winning two wars. An AP Voter Poll of more than 100,000 voters found that about 60 percent believe the U.S. made the wrong decision in engaging in military action against Iran.
