At Pentagon, Hegseth to Speak as Impeachment Charges Face Possible House Vote

A vote could come soon

Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, is leading the impeachment effort. Democrats have signaled broad support, and some Republicans have voiced discontent with Hegseth, but the result remains uncertain.

Charges cover military actions

The eight articles accuse Hegseth of violating the Constitution, including by waging war without congressional authorization and continuing the Iran campaign after Congress directed the president to end it or seek authorization. Other allegations concern strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, the capture of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, unauthorized operations in Yemen, and political retaliation against critics. The articles also cite deadlines under the War Powers Resolution, which calls for withdrawing forces from unauthorized hostilities after 60 days, with a possible 30-day extension.

Trump and Hegseth respond

President Trump said Monday that he would stand by Hegseth. Trump told reporters, “Pete Hegseth won two wars.” Hegseth said Monday that critics of the Iran war, the Yemen strikes and Maduro’s capture were taking issue with troops and their accomplishments. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth would not be deterred by what he called partisan efforts and intended to serve through the end of Trump’s term.

House action precedes Senate trial

A simple majority in the House is needed to approve an article of impeachment. Impeachment is a formal accusation; it does not itself remove an official from office.

If the House approves charges, the case goes to the Senate for trial. Conviction and removal require a two-thirds vote, a difficult threshold. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Monday that the Senate should put Hegseth on trial over what he called a catastrophic failure in Iran.