US congressman files resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Hegseth

On Monday, Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who is leaving office, introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The text accuses the secretary of conducting the war on Iran, strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats and other purported violations of US law. The issue has gained weight because Democrats won both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections and take over in January.

What the resolution says

Massie reintroduced eight articles of impeachment that he first raised in September. At that time, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, avoided a vote by sending lawmakers home early. The resolution alleges that Hegseth violated the Constitution by helping wage war on Iran without congressional authorisation, as the War Powers Resolution requires. It also cites the bombing of a school in Minab, Iran, at the start of the war in February, which killed more than 150 people, about 120 of them children. Other charges concern strikes on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, the abduction of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, restrictions on media access to the Pentagon, and an unlawful war in Yemen against the Houthis.

Reactions

Hegseth said he would be glad to defend his actions in Congress. Massie urged him to resign before Democrats take control in January. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, expected to become speaker, said he supports impeachment. Johnson called the effort a political stunt. President Donald Trump said Hegseth's only offence was winning two wars, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he has done a good job.

Prospects

Impeachment requires a majority of the House's 435 members, while removal requires two-thirds of the 100 senators, or 67 votes. Democrats are expected to hold about 54 Senate seats, so removal looks unlikely.