Hegseth faces expected US House impeachment vote this week

WASHINGTON — Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, self-identifies as the Secretary of War. This rebranding effort stems from his claim that the military was weak and "woke" when he assumed office last year. With an expected House impeachment vote looming, Hegseth could soon mirror the fate of someone who actually held the title of Secretary of War.

In 1876, William Belknap, holding that position, became the sole civilian leader in U.S. history to be impeached by Congress. On Monday, US Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, introduced articles of impeachment, triggering a two-day countdown to an anticipated House vote on charges such as waging war against Iran without congressional authorization and other abuses of power.

Congressional sources suggest the resolution may have the simple majority necessary to pass the Republican-controlled House before Democrats assume control on January 3. However, conviction appears improbable in the Senate, where a two-thirds majority is required, and Republicans currently hold 53 of 100 seats. House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the impeachment, stating it took place "in the middle."