US Lawmaker Moves to Impeach Defense Secretary Over Iran War

Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky moved to force a vote in the House to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on November 9, 2026. Mr. Massie read the impeachment resolution from the House floor just hours after sessions opened following the midterms, pressing fellow Republicans to remove Mr. Hegseth after sweeping election losses. The resolution focuses on the war in Iran along with military actions in Yemen and Venezuela. Mr. Massie stated that Mr. Hegseth carried out unlawful orders and remains a threat to the Constitution. President Donald Trump lashed out at Mr. Massie, calling him a loser with hatred in his heart, while defending Mr. Hegseth for winning wars in Iran and Venezuela. A House vote could happen by mid-week. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries supports the measure, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer endorsed a Senate trial. House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the timing during ongoing foreign hostilities, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune questioned why the vote is being held now. Mr. Hegseth dismissed the impeachment push as politically motivated, arguing the war stopped Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons, though the International Atomic Energy Agency reported it holds 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent purity. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Mr. Hegseth as hardworking and smart, calling the Republican-led push unfair.

Context

Impeachment is a constitutional process allowing the legislature to remove senior government officials for serious misconduct. This political battle unfolds while control of Congress remains divided ahead of a new term in January.