US Congressman Massie Moves to Impeach Defense Secretary Hegseth
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has introduced eight articles of impeachment against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the war with Iran. A House vote could take place as early as Wednesday.
Thomas Massie, a Republican member of the US House of Representatives from Kentucky, on Monday launched impeachment proceedings against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The charges relate to the war with Iran and could become a serious test for President Donald Trump's administration.
Massie filed eight articles of impeachment. They accuse Hegseth of waging an unlawful war without congressional approval and of abusing the powers of his office.
The congressman used a special procedure under which the House must consider his resolution within two days. A vote could therefore be held as early as Wednesday. Some Republican lawmakers have hinted they might back the charges alongside Democrats.
Rubio defends the secretary
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Paris on Monday, came out in support of Hegseth. "I think it's unfair. I think Pete has done a good job, I really do," he told reporters. Rubio described his colleague as hardworking and "unbelievably smart."
According to Rubio, Hegseth helped build partnerships to fight cartels in the Americas, significantly weakened Iran's military and oversaw the successful operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
What could follow
The Democratic Party, which secured a majority in both chambers of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, has pledged to pursue Hegseth's impeachment. Such a step would be a humiliating blow to the Trump administration, but it would not automatically remove him from office.
For the Senate to convict Hegseth, a two-thirds majority is required. That could be hard to achieve even after Democrats take control of both the House and the Senate on January 3.
In US history, only two cabinet secretaries have been impeached, and the Senate removed neither of them from office.
