US Defense Secretary Hegseth faces expected impeachment vote this week

Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie has introduced eight articles of impeachment against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. According to the New Straits Times and France 24, the move stems from the war in Iran. Massie's articles include accusations of abusing his powers as Pentagon chief and waging war without congressional authorization.

The Daily Post Nigeria reports that the articles also cite extrajudicial killings, the suppression of free speech, the kidnapping of a sovereign foreign leader, unlawful war in Yemen, and a disregard for laws intended to minimize civilian casualties.

Massie stated that while President Donald Trump is culpable for approving military actions, Hegseth carried out unlawful orders. KahawaTungu reports that Massie's goal is to push the President to fire Hegseth before Democrats can launch their own impeachment process following the recent midterm elections. Hegseth indicated he was not worried about the resolution and planned to hold a news conference on Tuesday regarding the matter.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Hegseth in Paris, calling him hardworking and smart while crediting him with weakening Iran's military and overseeing the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, according to the New Straits Times. The Republican-controlled House could vote on the impeachment as early as Wednesday.

Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, New Straits Times, Daily Post Nigeria, KahawaTungu, CBS News — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.