Rep. Massie has introduced eight impeachment articles against Hegseth over Iran war

Eight charges in resolution

Massie, a Kentucky Republican, presented a 34-page resolution accusing Hegseth of high crimes and misdemeanors. Three of its eight articles allege abuse of Defense Department authority through military action against Iran without congressional approval.

Massie said Hegseth posed a continuing risk to the Constitution and had acted against the rule of law. The resolution seeks impeachment, a Senate trial, removal from office and disqualification from future federal office.

Hegseth rejects the effort

In a video posted on X last week, Hegseth called the articles sham charges and described them as political theater. He said the effort would not succeed against him.

Massie said Monday that some colleagues planned to oppose impeachment because they consider Hegseth effective and support the war. He argued that those views do not answer whether the secretary committed an impeachable offense.

Republicans differ on standard

Support among Republicans for Massie’s effort remains uncertain. Some members appeared more willing to criticize Hegseth after the party’s losses in the midterm elections. Rep. James Comer said Republicans were unhappy with the situation in Iran and suggested GOP voters were especially concerned. Rep. French Hill said dissatisfaction with a secretary’s performance does not, by itself, establish an impeachable offense. Rep. Don Bacon said he did not consider Hegseth a good secretary but questioned whether that justified impeachment; Hill also said Hegseth’s handling of issues bothered him.

Two earlier Cabinet impeachments

Hegseth would be the third Cabinet secretary impeached. Secretary of War William Belknap faced impeachment in 1876 over corruption allegations and was acquitted by the Senate. In 2024, the GOP-controlled House impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the Biden administration’s handling of the southern border. The charges against Mayorkas were dismissed.