Key Points
- Republican Representative Thomas Massie has introduced articles of impeachment against U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over illegal military operations against Iran.
- Massie argues that continuing hostilities in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional authorization violates federal law and the Constitution.
- The impeachment effort follows Republican losses in the 2026 midterm elections, which will give Democrats control of both chambers of Congress in January.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie introduced articles of impeachment against former Fox News morning show host-turned-U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, arguing the Trump administration’s ongoing conflict in Iran violates federal law because it lasted more than there months without a declaration from Congress.
“By engaging in hostilities in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional authorization, Secretary Hegseth is breaking the law and must be held accountable,” Massie, who lost re-election last week, said in a statement on Monday.
The congressman introduced articles of impeachment in September and now intends to force a vote before Democrats assume control of the House and Senate in January. His prior effort in September was thwarted when Speaker of the House Mike Johnson moved to recess Congress before the midterm election, delaying action on impeachment until this week.
Massie said President Donald Trump should replace Hegseth before the change in congressional leadership, arguing that Democrats will pursue more extensive investigations and impeachment proceedings next year. With the articles introduced this week, Johnson must arrange for its consideration within two legislative days. Lawmakers could vote on impeachment directly, refer the measure to committee or move to set it aside.
“My effort to impeach Secretary Hegseth is a much gentler version of what’s coming when the Democrats assume control of the House and Senate next year,” Massie said.
The proposal faces an uncertain path in the Republican-controlled House, although Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has indicated he supports impeachment.
Hegseth dismissed the threat Monday during an appearance at a military installation in Rhode Island, defending military operations against Iran, Houthi militants in Yemen and the former government of Venezuela.
“We’re not worried about that,” Hegseth told reporters. He promised to hold a news conference on the matter later in the week.
The impeachment effort comes amid growing criticism of the administration’s war with Iran, which has contributed to disruptions in international shipping, higher energy prices and political dissatisfaction among American voters: According to a voter poll conducted by the Associated Press, nearly six in 10 voters said the United States made the wrong decision by taking military action against Iran.
Iran has continued striking military installations and commercial shipping in the Middle East despite claims by Hegseth that its military capabilities have been devastated. The conflict has also disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a major international oil shipping route, contributing to higher energy costs and rising diesel prices in the United States, which has trickled down to the cost of goods like groceries.
Massie’s objections extend beyond the Iran conflict: He has also accused Hegseth of intimidating administration critics, participating in the capture of foreign leaders and disregarding congressional war powers resolutions. The House has previously approved measures seeking to restrict further military action against Iran, with Massie among the Republicans supporting those efforts.
Impeachment of a Cabinet secretary is rare in American history. Only two Cabinet officials have been impeached by the House, and neither was convicted by the Senate. If the House approves Massie’s resolution, removing Hegseth would require a two-thirds vote for conviction in the Senate, which is not a certainty despite Congress “flipping” from Republican to Democratic control in January.
