Republican Rep. Massie moves to impeach Defense Secretary Hegseth over Iran war

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) introduced a resolution on Tuesday to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging that he disregarded Congress and unlawfully continued the United States' military engagement in Iran. The significance of this move lies in the fact that it represents a highly unlikely endeavor within the GOP-controlled Congress, but Massie's resolution possesses the privilege to compel a full House vote and expose Republicans' stance on Hegseth's management of the Iran war.

This development is a significant escalation in Massie's ongoing campaign to curb the Trump administration's war powers over the past few months. Additionally, the House has previously voted multiple times to curb the administration's military campaign in Iran, including two war powers resolutions in June and July directing the president to cease hostilities with Tehran.

An upcoming House vote on another war powers resolution regarding Iran's military effort is scheduled for Tuesday. The impetus for Massie's resolution is the accusation that Hegseth executed orders to maintain operations in Iran despite Congress' constitutional authority over war and its votes to terminate the conflict. Massie contended that Hegseth's actions obstructed Congress' ability to exercise its most solemn constitutional responsibility and permitted an "unlawful war" to persist.

Hegseth had previously encountered another impeachment effort from House Democrats who submitted six articles against him in April, alleging unauthorized warfare against Iran. The path forward entails the House having to consider the legislation within the next two legislative days, but GOP leaders might also opt to vote on shelving the resolution instead.