Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense and former Fox News host, is facing an impeachment vote in the House this week after Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) on Monday introduced a resolution that is largely tied to the war in Iran.
Massie read the articles on the floor of the House, citing the launch and continuation of war without congressional authorization.
“Secretary Hegseth has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as secretary of defense and subversive to constitutional government,” he said, adding that Hegseth has “acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and rule of law.”
Hegseth told reporters that he would hold a press conference at the Pentagon on Tuesday morning. “We’re not worried about that,” Hegseth said of the prospect of a House vote. President Donald Trump has said that he continues to support him.
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Under the rules of the House, the articles would have to be brought to the floor within two legislative days.
Republicans still control Congress in the lame duck session, but there could be a handful of GOP members who vote for impeachment. If nearly all Democrats vote in favor, that could give the resolution enough votes for passage.
“Pete Hegseth has abused his power, undermined national security and he is the architect of the reckless and costly failed war of choice in Iran,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) told reporters, calling himself a “hard yes” on the impeachment vote.
If the resolution passes, it would then head to the Senate for a trial, where removal would require a 2/3 majority.
Massie’s resolution includes eight articles of impeachment, including waging war without authorization of Congress; ignoring laws to minimize civilian casualties; extrajudicial killings with the lethal targeting of suspected drug traffickers; kidnapping of a foreign leader when Nicolás Maduro was seized in Venezuela; unlawful war in Yemen; and suppressing free speech. The latter was tied to an effort to “retaliate against and intimidate” Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) after he participated in a video reminding service members that they should not follow unlawful military orders.