Rep. Massie Pushes for Impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Washington — Republican Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky has initiated a campaign to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Massie accuses him of various high crimes and misdemeanors during his term. The allegations are detailed in a 34-page document that Massie introduced to Congress on Monday. A vote will occur at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday to decide whether the articles will move forward.

The outcome remains unclear. Some Republicans have expressed dissatisfaction with how the administration managed the war with Iran, especially following GOP losses in the midterm elections. Although House GOP leaders plan to oppose the resolution, absenteeism among members who lost in the elections could lead to its passage.

The impeachment resolution centers on Hegseth’s actions during several controversial events in President Trump’s second term. These include the war with Iran, strikes in the Caribbean, an attack on an Iranian school, and the capture of Venezuela’s former President Nicolás Maduro. Hegseth described the resolution as a “political spectacle” in a press meeting Tuesday morning.

Article I: Starting the Iran War Without Authorization

The first article accuses Hegseth of following illegal orders to initiate the Iran war. It claims he engaged U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities against Iran without congressional approval, violating the War Powers Resolution of 1973. This law permits military action by the president without congressional authorization only in limited cases.

Article II: Ignoring Congress

The second article accuses Hegseth of ignoring a bipartisan congressional resolution to end the Iran war. Both the House and Senate passed a resolution in June directing the administration to cease hostilities with Iran. Massie’s article notes this was a historical first for such a legislative vehicle.

Article III: Ignoring the War Powers Resolution’s Deadline

The third article alleges that Hegseth continued military action beyond the 60-day limit set by the War Powers Resolution. Although the administration claimed hostilities were over, which would invalidate the war powers measure, Massie’s resolution disputes this, stating that Hegseth directed continued hostilities.

Article IV: Civilian Casualties and Pentagon Policies

The fourth article accuses Hegseth of dismantling systems meant to minimize civilian casualties. It reports that his actions resulted in a missile strike on an Iranian school, killing about 170 civilians. The resolution argues Hegseth removed necessary safeguards that Congress mandated to limit harm to civilians.

Article V: Extrajudicial Killings

The fifth article focuses on a campaign against alleged drug-smuggling boats, citing the killing of at least 243 people without judicial process. Massie claims Hegseth used the military against those merely suspected of criminal activities, assuming roles of judge, jury, and executioner.

Article VI: Retaliation Against Sen. Mark Kelly

The sixth article accuses Hegseth of retaliating against Sen. Mark Kelly for protected speech. Kelly urged military members to refuse illegal orders, prompting Hegseth to issue a censure and threaten Kelly’s rank. A federal judge blocked the move as unconstitutional.

Article VII: Capture of Venezuela’s Maduro

The seventh article addresses the military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, deemed an act of war against Venezuela. Massie argues the intent was to control Venezuela’s oil reserves, unauthorized by Congress. The operation involved significant military resources, resulting in 83 deaths.

Article VIII: Strikes on Yemen

The final article highlights over 1,100 U.S. strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, leading to numerous civilian casualties. The article claims Hegseth acted without congressional approval. It references leaked messages suggesting the Houthis posed no immediate threat, contradicting the administration’s rationale.