Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the House floor Monday afternoon and intends to press for a vote this week, according to BBC. Massie alleges that Hegseth has broken the law by conducting military action against Iran for more than 90 days without approval from Congress.
"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 said, per BBC.
Hegseth told reporters earlier Monday that he was unconcerned about the resolution. "We're not worried about that," he said, adding that he would address the matter at a news conference Tuesday morning, BBC reports.
Why it matters
The move puts a sitting cabinet secretary's conduct in wartime before the full House, an step Congress has taken against only two cabinet members in US history, according to BBC. It also exposes a rift inside the Republican Party over the Iran conflict, which began nearly nine months ago, and sets up a possible confrontation between a lame-duck lawmaker and the administration he has repeatedly criticized.
Massie's effort is widely expected to fail. Republicans hold Congress until January, and removing a cabinet secretary requires approval from both chambers. BBC notes that the Senate did not agree to removal in either of the two prior House impeachments of cabinet members.
A push aimed at Trump, not just Hegseth
Massie, who lost his reelection bid earlier this year, is among the few Republicans who have publicly challenged President Donald Trump and the Iran war. He first filed impeachment articles in September and revived the push after Republicans lost control of both the House and Senate in last week's midterm elections, according to BBC.
He has framed the resolution as a way to spare the administration a more punishing process once Democrats take over. "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 a statement reported by BBC. "They will hold hearings and trials."
Massie also urged the president to act first. "President Trump should replace Secretary Hegseth now while he can still get a replacement confirmed in the Senate," he said.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Sunday that he is a "hard yes" on impeachment, BBC reports, meaning Massie can likely count on Democratic votes. He would still need support from his own party to succeed.
What happens next in the House
With the resolution now introduced, Speaker Mike Johnson must schedule consideration within two days, per BBC. The House could vote on the resolution directly, send it to committee, or set it aside.
Massie's objections to Hegseth extend beyond Iran, he said in his statement. He has accused the secretary of intimidating critics of the administration, abducting foreign leaders, and disregarding congressional war powers resolutions, according to BBC.
The House has passed a War Powers resolution — a measure aimed at stopping Trump from further military action in Iran — multiple times this year, with Massie's backing.
Watch whether Johnson schedules a direct vote or moves to table the resolution, and whether Hegseth's Tuesday news conference shifts Republican support.
