Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced eight articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Monday, a move that could force a vote in the House as soon as this week.
Massie, who lost his primary earlier this year to a Trump-backed challenger, attempted a similar move in September, but Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the House before that resolution could reach the floor. With Congress back in session, Massie is reviving the effort.
The 34-page resolution lays out eight alleged impeachable offenses against Hegseth, including waging war against Iran without congressional authorization, violating laws meant to protect civilians, and improperly using military force in Venezuela and the Caribbean.
Massie also accuses Hegseth of violating the First Amendment by taking disciplinary action against Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona after Kelly made comments urging military personnel to refuse what he called “illegal” orders from superiors.
Numbers in the House
Massie told ABC News he believes enough Republicans — possibly swayed by the party’s recent electoral losses — will join Democrats to pass the resolution this time. With the GOP holding a narrow House majority, only three Republican defections would be needed if every Democrat votes in favor.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York has already said he is a “hard yes” on impeaching Hegseth.
Hegseth’s response
Hegseth dismissed the effort, describing Massie as a “disgruntled, defeated congressman” acting alongside Democratic allies.
“We’re not worried about that,” Hegseth told reporters Monday.
He said he plans to address the impeachment push at a Pentagon press conference scheduled for Tuesday.
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