Will Pete Hegseth be Impeached? Anti-Trump Republican Thomas Massie Forces House to Vote on Resolution to Impeach Him Over Iran War

Rep. Thomas Massie filed articles of impeachment Tuesday against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, alleging that he waged the Iran war without authorization from Congress. Massie (R-Ky.) announced the move unexpectedly on the House floor, alleging that Hegseth violated the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which requires congressional approval for military operations extending beyond 90 days.

Massie accused Hegseth of carrying out unlawful orders that violated Section 2(c) of the 1973 War Powers Resolution. “Peter Brian Hegseth, in his capacity as Secretary of Defense has executed unlawful orders in contravention of Section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution of 1973,” Massie declared as he suggested that the War Secretary be impeached.

Hegseth in Trouble

Massie further argued that Hegseth’s actions showed he could pose an ongoing threat to the Constitution if he remained in office. “Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law.”

Massie is seeking a House vote on the resolution later this week, although Republicans could move to table the measure.

The 55-year-old congressman, who is serving out his final term after losing his May primary to a Trump-endorsed challenger, is once again putting the War Powers Resolution at the center of debate just seven weeks before the midterm elections.

Republicans hold majorities in both the House and Senate, but lawmakers in each chamber approved resolutions earlier this year urging President Donald Trump to end the Iran war, which began Feb. 28.

The White House maintains that the initial phase of fighting brought the conflict to an end, effectively restarting the 90-day clock.

No More Tolerance

The Pentagon pushed back against the impeachment effort, defending Hegseth’s record and leadership at the Department of War. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson praised Hegseth’s approach, arguing that his tenure had strengthened the military while improving recruitment and morale.

“Secretary Hegseth has been a transformative leader for the Department of War. Standards and merit are back, our arsenal is stronger than ever before, and morale and recruitment across every service are at all-time highs,” Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said in a statement.

Wilson highlighted Hegseth’s efforts to reduce bureaucracy and promote changes within the department, saying those measures had benefited military personnel and the organization.

“Secretary Hegseth has slashed bureaucracy, unleashed innovation, and delivered for our warfighters every step of the way. By every measurable metric, the Department of War is better under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s leadership than before. The entire Department is unified behind the Secretary’s vision and will continue working to put our warfighters and America first.”