Hegseth comes out swinging against Massie impeachment push

Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, has introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The move comes in the wake of the House's recent defeat, which could signal a shift when Democrats take control of Congress next year. Massie argues that Hegseth's actions are in direct violation of the Constitution and the rule of law.

Massie's arguments center around Hegseth's alleged defiance of Congress regarding the Iran war. He asserts that the Secretary knowingly executed and implemented unlawful orders, substituting executive action for congressional judgment. The articles of impeachment accuse Hegseth of violating congressional war powers in Iran, mishandling civilian casualties, targeting suspected drug boats, retaliating against Senator Mark Kelly, capturing Nicolás Maduro, and conducting military operations in Yemen.

Hegseth has dismissed the impeachment push as politically motivated "noise," stating that he and his team are not concerned by the move. The Department of Defense has not yet commented on the situation.

Massie reintroduced the impeachment resolution on Monday, restarting the two-day legislative clock for House leaders to take action. The impeachment could mark a first for a Cabinet secretary during the second Trump administration.

Republicans who have previously resisted reining in the administration's war efforts might be more open to impeaching Hegseth now, given the recent strong rebuke of the administration and its war during the 2026 midterms. With many House and Senate members retiring or leaving Congress, the "YOLO caucus" might view Hegseth as a suitable scapegoat. House GOP leaders are anticipating defections from their ranks.

Even if the House impeaches Hegseth, removing him from office would require a two-thirds vote in the Republican-controlled Senate, making removal highly unlikely.