Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., on Monday introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, triggering a vote in the House of Representatives as early as this week.
The unusual impeachment push against Hegseth by a member of his own party comes after Democrats swept to majorities in both the House and Senate during last week's midterm elections. Many Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance, have cited the Iran war Hegseth has led as a reason for the electoral bludgeoning.
Massie, who lost his reelection bid in a Republican primary in May, introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth. They include waging war in contravention of war powers resolutions Congress passed to limit war, extrajudicial killings tied to boat strikes in the Caribbean that purported to target drug smugglers and suppressing free speech by targeting Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., a veteran.
"Wherefore, Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law," the articles, which Massie read from the House floor, read. "Peter Brian Hegseth thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States."
Massie's resolution will force House Republican leaders to put the measure up for a vote by the end of this week. Impeachment resolutions are privileged, meaning the House must act on them, table them or vote to refer them to committee within two legislative days.
President Donald Trump once again defended Hegseth later Monday, telling reporters at the White House he will stand by the secretary even if he is impeached.
"He won two wars. He was in charge," said Trump, who was impeached twice in his first presidential term.
Trump also credited Hegseth with boosting military recruitment, claiming there are "waiting lists of people trying to get in."
"He's done a very good job," Trump said.
Congress has the authority to impeach Cabinet secretaries, though it is a highly unusual move. Republican leadership in the House has not yet laid out how they plan to deal with the Hegseth impeachment, and it is unclear whether they have the votes to dispose of Massie's measure following the election.
The last Cabinet Secretary to be impeached was Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in 2024 over his handling of the U.S.-Mexico border. Before Mayorkas, a Cabinet secretary had not been impeached since Secretary of War William Belknap in 1876. Neither was convicted by the Senate.
If the House votes to impeach Hegseth, the Senate would be tasked with holding a trial and voting on removing the secretary from office. If convicted by a two-thirds majority of the Senate, Hegseth would be removed from office.
Republicans hold a razor-thin 218-214 majority in the House, meaning only a handful of Republican defections could result in Hegseth's impeachment.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., reiterated his support for impeaching Hegseth on Monday at his first press conference at the Capitol since last Tuesday's elections. "Pete Hegseth has abused his power, undermined America's national security, and he's the architect of the reckless and costly failed war of choice in Iran," Jeffries said.
Hegseth has appeared to be preparing for an impeachment fight. The secretary put out a video last week defending his actions atop the Pentagon, and the department has led a media campaign to "Stand. Fight. Defend the Republic."
Hegseth on Monday announced he would hold a press conference Tuesday morning at the Pentagon. His most recent press conference way May 5, just over two months after the Iran war began.
