Republican lawmaker pushes Hegseth impeachment, Pentagon chief says 'not worried'

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, urging the US House of Representatives to vote on the matter. Massie, a Kentucky Republican critical of President Donald Trump and the war in Iran, claims Hegseth violated the law by continuing military operations in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional approval.

Hegseth, however, dismissed the impeachment threat, stating he is not worried and prepared to defend the administration's military actions in Iran. Hegseth described the effort as politically motivated, asserting that critics disagree with the administration's record, but their disagreements stem from success. He added that he is ready to defend the military decisions if litigated, emphasizing that the House should address the issue at a news conference on Tuesday.

Massie introduced the impeachment articles in September and is pushing for a vote following the recent midterm elections, in which Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress. Massie hopes to pressure Trump to replace Hegseth before Democrats assume control in January and hold their own impeachment proceedings. However, the impeachment effort is expected to face an uphill battle, as Massie must garner support from both Democrats and Republican members of his party.