Republican Massie wants to remove Hegseth from office

Republican Representative Thomas Massie has filed a motion to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the US House of Representatives. This is under increasing pressure after the Republicans' debacle in the midterm elections because of the Iran war.

Massie accuses Hegseth of misconduct in eight areas. For example, he is said to have sent armed forces into combat operations against Iran without congressional approval and to have abused his power. He also refers to Hegseth's role in military operations in Yemen and Venezuela.

A two-thirds majority is required for impeachment

A vote in the House of Representatives could take place as early as mid-week. The Democrats have a majority in both chambers of parliament after the midterm elections.

However, there are high hurdles for impeachment: If the House of Representatives agrees, a so-called impeachment process would begin in the Senate. A two-thirds majority would then be needed in this chamber of Congress to remove Hegseth from office.

Hegseth, who calls himself “secretary of war,” previously defended President Donald Trump’s government’s military actions in Iran and Venezuela. He said he was looking forward to discussing the political decisions. He announced a press conference on Tuesday about the impending impeachment.

Trump: "He won two wars"

Trump stood in front of his minister. "He has won two wars. I don't know how he can be removed from office," the Reuters news agency quoted him as saying.