Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, has introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing actions such as waging war without congressional approval and extrajudicial killings.
This move comes in the wake of Democrats gaining majorities in both the House and Senate, with some Republicans attributing their electoral losses to Hegseth's leadership in the Iran war.
The impeachment resolution must be addressed by House Republican leaders within two legislative days, raising questions about their strategy and the potential for Republican defections given their slim majority of 218-214. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has expressed support for the impeachment, accusing Hegseth of abusing his power and jeopardizing national security.
Hegseth has begun preparing for the impeachment process, defending his actions publicly and receiving support from President Donald Trump. The last Cabinet Secretary to be impeached was Alejandro Mayorkas in 2024, and the rarity of such actions adds to the significance of this development in the current political landscape