Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky renewed his effort Monday to impeach US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, introducing eight articles of impeachment accusing him of violating the Constitution and conducting an unauthorized war against Iran.
In a statement accompanying the resolution, Massie accused Hegseth of conducting military operations in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional authorization, declaring that the defense secretary is “breaking the law and must be held accountable.”
The impeachment articles also accuse Hegseth of violating congressional war powers, disregarding laws intended to minimize civilian casualties, conducting unlawful military operations in Yemen and Venezuela, and retaliating against political critics.
“President Trump should replace Secretary Hegseth now while he can still get a replacement confirmed in the Senate,” Massie said.
The Republican lawmaker warned that the incoming Democratic-controlled Congress would pursue more aggressive investigations and impeachment proceedings against Hegseth.
Massie’s move is expected to force a House vote in the coming days, reviving an impeachment effort initially introduced in September but delayed before the midterm elections.
Trump has repeatedly defended Hegseth, crediting him with the administration’s military campaigns in Iran and Venezuela.
Rubio says Hegseth has ‘done an excellent job’
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked about Hegseth’s performance in the Defense Department following Massie’s announcement, saying that he believes Hegseth did “an excellent job.”
“I think he’s done a great job. I mean, I’ve worked with him every single day on many of these topics. I’ve seen the work he does and the professionalism he brings to it,” Rubio said.
“He’s very smart. He works very hard. He puts a lot of hours into this. And all the policy issues we’ve worked on together, I think he’s done a very good job,” he added.
