Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has launched a fresh effort to impeach US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The move could lead to a House vote by Wednesday. It comes as Hegseth faces growing criticism over US military actions and his role in the Trump administration.
Massie, who represents Kentucky, has filed eight articles of impeachment against the defense secretary. He claims Hegseth ordered or supported military actions without approval from Congress. He also accuses him of abusing his office and failing to follow federal law.
Speaking on the House floor, Massie said Hegseth had committed “high crimes and misdemeanors.” He also claimed that the defense secretary had carried out unlawful orders while serving in the Trump administration.
The impeachment effort could receive support from some Republican lawmakers. Under House rules, a vote on the measure must take place by Wednesday. However, the final level of support remains uncertain.
Massie first introduced the impeachment articles on September 15. At that time, the House did not hold a vote because Speaker Mike Johnson called Congress into recess. Massie has now renewed the effort as lawmakers face a deadline before the current session ends.
Republicans still hold control of the House. However, that will change when newly elected members take their seats in January. Democrats are expected to gain control following their strong performance in the midterm elections.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has already backed the impeachment effort. Speaking on Sunday, he said he was a “hard yes” on removing Hegseth through impeachment. He also said the defense secretary needed to leave his position.
The eight articles cover several areas of US military policy and government power. Massie argues that Hegseth has weakened Congress’s constitutional authority to approve military action. He points to US attacks on Iran and Yemen as examples of military operations carried out without proper approval from lawmakers.
The resolution also raises concerns about civilian deaths during military operations. It accuses Hegseth of failing to follow laws designed to limit harm to civilians. One of the charges refers to a school strike in Iran that reportedly killed more than 100 children.
Massie also questions US military attacks on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. He claims that people aboard the vessels were killed and left without rescue after the strikes. The resolution describes these actions as unlawful killings and argues that they violated legal limits on the use of military force.
Another charge focuses on Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat, and other public figures. They had called on US service members to refuse illegal orders. Massie claims Hegseth responded by investigating them and threatening prosecution. He argues that this action violated their First Amendment rights.
The resolution also raises legal concerns about the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Massie says the operation was unconstitutional and violated international and domestic legal rules.
Hegseth has strongly rejected the political pressure. In a video released on Thursday, he described the impeachment threat as an attempt at personal destruction. He also said the effort would not change his position.
The defense secretary made the remarks after Republicans suffered major losses in the midterm elections. President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and other Republican leaders have linked the results to the Iran war. They have also pointed to the rising cost of living and its effect on voters who usually support the party.
On Monday, Hegseth visited the Naval War College. He announced changes to military education and training. He said the reforms would help US officers carry out military operations with greater speed, precision and force.
Hegseth argued that stronger military skills would discourage other countries from challenging the United States. He said US forces must be ready to achieve victory if an enemy chooses to test American power.
Meanwhile, watchdog groups have raised concerns about his Thursday video. Common Cause and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington argued that it may violate the Hatch Act. The law limits the use of government resources for partisan political activity.
The House vote could become a major test of support for Hegseth. If lawmakers approve the impeachment articles, the case would move to the Senate. A conviction and removal from office would require support from two-thirds of senators.
