Outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) made a last-ditch effort to impeach War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, introducing eight articles of impeachment as a privileged resolution that forces House action within two legislative days. The move comes just weeks before Republicans relinquish their House majority in January.
The Charges Against Hegseth
Massie’s resolution accuses Hegseth of “high crimes and misdemeanors” related to his handling of military operations in Iran, Yemen, and the Caribbean, as well as the Pentagon’s scrutiny of Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Three articles focus on unauthorized military actions in Iran, alleging violations of the War Powers Resolution and failure to minimize civilian casualties after a strike on an Iranian school.
Other charges include Hegseth’s oversight of U.S. counter-narcotics strikes in the Caribbean, the Yemen campaign, and his treatment of Kelly, who had urged service members to refuse illegal orders in a video. “Wherefore, Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth… has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law,” the resolution states.
A Partisan Showdown
Massie, who lost his primary to a Trump-backed challenger earlier this year, framed the impeachment as a constitutional necessity. “The question is whether he committed impeachable acts,” Massie wrote on X. “And the answer is yes, eight times.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has already signaled support, calling himself a “hard yes” on the measure.
But some Republicans remain skeptical. Retiring Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) criticized Hegseth’s leadership but questioned whether poor performance alone justified impeachment. “I don’t think he’s been a good secretary, but do you impeach a guy for that?” Bacon told CBS.
Hegseth Fires Back
Hegseth dismissed the effort as a partisan stunt, calling it a “sham” led by a “disgruntled, defeated congressman.” He expressed confidence that the push would fail, telling reporters, “We’re not worried about that.” Former President Donald Trump also defended Hegseth, praising his performance as War Secretary.
If the House approves the articles, Hegseth would become only the third Cabinet secretary ever impeached. The Senate acquitted War Secretary William Belknap in 1876, while it dismissed charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas earlier this year.
With Massie’s time in Congress winding down, the impeachment push marks one of his final confrontations with an administration he has frequently challenged. The House is now on the clock to act before the resolution expires with the new Congress.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/massie-forces-action-on-hegseth-impeachment-before-gop-loses-control