Hegseth faces expected US House impeachment vote this week

Pete Hegseth, who identifies himself as the secretary of war, is set to face a potential impeachment vote in the U.S. House this week. In an effort to rebrand the military he took charge of last year, Hegseth claims it was both weak and "woke". William Belknap, who served as the secretary of war in 1876, is the only individual in history to be impeached by Congress from a civilian position.

On Monday, Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie submitted articles of impeachment, which kickstarted a two-day countdown for a probable House vote on allegations such as waging war against Iran without congressional approval and other assertions of power misuse. Congressional sources indicate that the resolution may possess the bare majority necessary to pass the Republican-controlled House before the January 3rd transition when Democrats assume power.

However, conviction seems improbable in the Senate, where a two-thirds majority is required, and Republicans hold 53 out of 100 seats. House Speaker Mike Johnson has voiced opposition to the impeachment effort, describing it as occurring "in the middle".