Rep. Massie files impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Rep. Thomas Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

On November 9, 2026, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) again introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, focusing primarily on his handling of the Iran war. The resolution accuses Hegseth of violating the War Powers Resolution by initiating military action without congressional authorization and exceeding the 60-day limit on hostilities.

Additional charges range from failing to minimize civilian casualties and engaging in extrajudicial killings to suppressing free speech and kidnapping a sovereign leader, as reported by The Daily Beast. Massie argued, "Hegseth knowingly executed and implemented unlawful orders and remains a threat to the Constitution."

Massie had aimed to move forward with similar articles in September, but voting was delayed by the congressional recess, according to UPI. This time, the impeachment push gains partial bipartisan support, with Democratic leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries signaling backing for the proceedings.

Conversely, House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed any impeachment vote during ongoing overseas conflict, and President Donald Trump publicly defended Hegseth, dismissing Massie's efforts as politically motivated. Hegseth himself called the impeachment attempt "politically motivated noise" and defended the Iran campaign as necessary to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions, as covered by AP News.

Public opinion adds further pressure: about 60% of voters believe the military action against Iran was a mistake, per recent polling. Massie's political position is also notable; he lost his Republican primary earlier in 2026 to a Trump-backed challenger, Ed Gallrein, which some see as a factor motivating his impeachment drive (The Guardian).

The impeachment marks a rare intra-party conflict affecting the Pentagon's top official amid intense scrutiny of U.S. foreign policy, underscoring turbulent dynamics in Congress and the administration.

Yes, but: House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump oppose moving forward with impeachment during current hostilities, citing national security concerns.

What's next: Congress faces pressure to schedule a vote on the impeachment articles despite ongoing overseas military actions and partisan disagreements.