Defense Secretary Hegseth faces impeachment push after GOP defeat

Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky on Monday submitted articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the US House of Representatives during a session, with a vote on the measure expected by Wednesday.

Massie accused Hegseth of abusing his authority through his conduct in the war against Iran, stating that he "knowingly executed and approved illegal orders to initiate war against a foreign nation." Massie, who is preparing to leave office and is a known critic of President Donald Trump, added, "Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has demonstrated through these actions that he will remain a threat to the Constitution if allowed to stay in office, and that he has acted in blatant disregard of his duties and the rule of law."

Hegseth is scheduled to hold a press conference on the matter tomorrow, where he has shown defiance toward calls for his removal and has received full and explicit backing from President Donald Trump.

Following the historic defeat suffered by Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections, party lawmakers and allies have begun searching for someone to blame, with many pointing fingers at Hegseth. The votes needed to impeach Hegseth are likely to be secured.