Republican plans Hegseth impeachment vote when Congress returns

Republican congressman Thomas Massie told CNN he plans to trigger a vote on impeaching US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth when Congress returns in the week beginning 9 November.

Several Republican sources told CNN they expected the measure to pass the House of Representatives. Approval by the House would not itself remove Hegseth: the matter would then go to the Senate.

Massie had already signalled his intention before the midterm elections. On 26 October, he said he would reintroduce impeachment articles if Hegseth was still defence secretary when Congress returned, Kentucky broadcaster WUKY reported.

The congressman gave notice of an earlier impeachment proposal in September, alleging that Hegseth had directed US forces into hostilities against Iran without congressional authorisation, in violation of the War Powers Resolution. The House adjourned before a vote, according to WUKY.

CNN reported that some Republicans have blamed Hegseth for the party’s heavy midterm losses and criticised his role in the Iran war. President Donald Trump, however, said on Wednesday that Hegseth was “doing a very good job” and denied plans to fire him. A Pentagon spokesman said Hegseth intended to remain in office until the end of Trump’s term.