Massie forces House to consider Hegseth impeachment

Republican congressman Thomas Massie has introduced a resolution to impeach US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, setting up a confrontation with his own party over the conduct of the war with Iran.

The privileged resolution requires the House to take up the measure within two legislative days. That does not guarantee a direct vote on impeachment: lawmakers could instead vote to refer it to a committee or set it aside.

Massie alleges that Hegseth broke the law by conducting hostilities in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional authorisation. Three of the resolution’s eight impeachment articles concern alleged breaches of the War Powers Resolution.

The other articles include allegations over civilian protections, lethal strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking, and retaliation against a senator for his speech.

Hegseth told reporters on Monday that he and his team were “not worried about that” and said he would hold a news conference on the issue on Tuesday morning. He had previously dismissed Massie’s articles as a sham.

Massie first introduced impeachment articles in September, but the House adjourned before a vote. Republicans retain control of Congress until January, when Democrats take their majorities following the midterm elections.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has said he supports impeaching Hegseth, but Republican votes would also be needed for the measure to pass. Even if the House impeached him, removal from office would require a conviction by a two-thirds majority in the Senate.

Massie has urged President Donald Trump to replace Hegseth, saying his own effort is a “much gentler version” of what he expects once Democrats take control. Trump said last week that he had “every intention” of keeping the defence secretary.