Pete Hegseth faces impeachment push from Republican lawmaker over military action against Iran without congressional app
The move could force a vote in the US House of Representatives, potentially putting pressure on fellow Republicans as they prepare to return home ahead of the November midterm elections.
On September 15, Republican US Representative Thomas Massie filed articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The accusations revolve around Hegseth's alleged abuse of office in carrying out hostilities against Iran without congressional approval. The move, while unlikely to succeed, could force a vote in the US House of Representatives and put pressure on fellow Republicans as they prepare for the November midterm elections.
Massie, a Kentucky Republican critical of the Iran war and US support for Israel, filed the impeachment articles as privileged, meaning the chamber must take them up within two legislative days. The Pentagon, however, rejected the accusations and defended Hegseth's leadership. Massie has consistently opposed President Trump's military campaign against Iran, which began following US and Israeli attacks on February 28.
Despite the impeachment effort, Massie is not seeking re-election, having lost his Republican primary in May to Ed Gallrein, backed by Trump and pro-Israel groups. Massie's opposition to the Iran war has made him a prominent critic of Trump's foreign policy within the Republican Party. The impeachment resolution is unlikely to succeed, but it could create a politically challenging vote for Republicans facing voters in November, as opinion polls indicate the war's unpopularity among voters and the rise in fuel prices due to disrupted oil shipments.
Written by urgent.news from Live Mint's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
