House Faces Possible Impeachment Vote on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could face an impeachment vote in the House of Representatives as early as this week. Lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill on Monday for the final weeks of the current congressional session.

The Impeachment Articles

Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced updated articles of impeachment against Hegseth on the House floor on Monday. The action restarted a two-day clock for GOP leaders to schedule a vote. Massie filed a 34-page resolution containing eight articles accusing Hegseth of high crimes and misdemeanors. Three of the articles accuse him of abusing Department of Defense powers by waging war against Iran without authorization from Congress. Massie also claimed that Hegseth ignored laws designed to lower civilian casualties, pointing to a strike on an Iranian school earlier this year. Other articles cite boat strikes in the Caribbean, the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and Pentagon scrutiny of Senator Mark Kelly after lawmakers released a video telling service members to refuse illegal orders.

Reactions and Response

Hegseth dismissed the push as political theater driven by a defeated lawmaker and Democrats. He told reporters on Monday that he is not worried and planned to hold a news conference on Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, lawmakers in both parties expressed mixed views as the party deals with midterm election losses. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated he is a hard yes on the impeachment. However, Republican support remains uncertain. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer noted that many lawmakers have questions about the Iran strategy. Representative French Hill of Arkansas said he is still considering his stance and wants to listen to the debate. Retiring Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska stated he is wrestling with the decision because he believes a cabinet official must commit a high crime or misdemeanor rather than just doing a poor job.

Context

Cabinet impeachments are extremely rare in American history, with only two previous cabinet secretaries facing impeachment votes. The Constitution gives the House the power to impeach federal officials for high crimes and misdemeanors, while the Senate holds the trial to decide on removal from office.