Pete Hegseth Impeachment: Massie Files 8 Articles, Vote Due Soon
Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, setting up a House vote within days.
Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, setting up a House vote within days. Under House rules, the vote must happen no later than Wednesday.
Massie, an outgoing Republican and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, spoke from the House floor. He said Hegseth had committed "high crimes and misdemeanors" and "has executed unlawful orders" in office.
What the articles allege
The resolution accuses Hegseth of illegally waging war without congressional authorization and of abusing his powers. Three of the eight charges concern the war against Iran, which the articles say violated the War Powers Resolution. That law limits a president's ability to commit US forces to hostilities without Congress.
A separate charge makes the same claim over military action against Yemen. Another accuses Hegseth of ignoring laws meant to reduce civilian casualties.
One charge covers what the articles call "extrajudicial killings" in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean, linked to strikes on suspected drug boats. Another concerns the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro without congressional approval.
The eighth charge alleges suppression of free speech. It stems from the effort to punish Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., over a video telling service members they can refuse illegal orders.
A second attempt
This is Massie's second try. He first introduced articles against Hegseth on September 15, but House Speaker Mike Johnson sent Congress into recess before the measure could be heard.
Massie is expected to draw some Republican support for a vote. Republicans keep control of the House until new members are seated in January.
Hegseth responds
Hegseth defended his record in a video released last Thursday, calling the effort "sham articles of impeachment." He added: "Didn't work against President Trump and it won't work with me."
