House blocks Massie’s bid to impeach Hegseth over Iran war
A vote ends Massie’s effort
The House voted to refer Massie’s impeachment resolution to the Judiciary Committee, a move that effectively killed it. The vote was 211 to 204. Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, was the only member of his party to vote with Democrats against the referral. Many Republicans have criticized Hegseth’s handling of the Iran war, now in its ninth month, but did not consider his conduct grounds for impeachment.
Resolution listed several allegations
The resolution accused Hegseth of starting the Iran war without congressional approval and disregarding laws intended to reduce civilian casualties. It also alleged he directed extrajudicial killings in Pentagon boat strikes in the Caribbean.
Other accusations concerned the alleged direction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s kidnapping and retaliation against Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly. Hegseth rejected the impeachment effort at a news conference Tuesday morning, calling it a “farce” and “political spectacle.”
Massie will not try again
Democrats could still force an impeachment vote, particularly after they retake control of both chambers in January. Hegseth argued that the accusations were partisan policy disagreements, not high crimes or misdemeanors.
Few Cabinet officials impeached
Only two Cabinet secretaries in U.S. history have been impeached. Secretary of War William Belknap faced impeachment over a corruption scandal in 1876, while Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was impeached in 2024 over his handling of the southern border.
Key points
- The House voted 211 to 204 to refer Massie’s resolution to the Judiciary Committee, effectively ending it.
- Massie was the lone Republican to oppose the referral alongside Democrats.
- The resolution alleged misconduct involving the Iran war, Caribbean boat strikes, Maduro and Sen. Mark Kelly.
- Massie said he would not bring another resolution, but Democrats could force the issue in January.