Kentucky Republican launches bid to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, moved Monday to force a House vote on impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The resolution was introduced as the House convened for the first time since the midterm elections, which saw Republicans lose control of Congress. The articles focus primarily on the war in Iran but also reference Hegseth's role in military actions in Yemen and Venezuela. Massie said the secretary's actions amount to "high crimes and misdemeanors" and his leadership "thus warrants impeachment." A vote could come by mid-week.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, also a Republican, tried to head off the effort, warning that impeaching a Cabinet secretary during active hostilities would be a "terrible, terrible look" for allies and enemies. "We don't impeach Cabinet secretaries for political gain or for cheap tricks, and I think that's what this is and I think everybody knows it," Johnson said. Most House Democrats are expected to support the measure, with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries saying over the weekend it is time for Hegseth to go.

If the House votes to impeach, the matter would move to the Senate for a trial. Republicans retain majorities in both chambers until the new Congress convenes in January with Democrats in control. Hegseth has dismissed the push as politically motivated, telling reporters, "There's a lot of politically motivated people who may have substantial policy disagreements, but their disagreements are with success." He defended operations including "Epic Fury" in Iran and "Rough Rider" against Houthi rebels in Yemen, saying critics are "taking issue with the troops and what they accomplished, which is historic."

Hegseth announced he will hold a news conference Tuesday, his first in over 180 days, to address the impeachment threat. His last briefing was in May, and he has not held one on the Iran war, strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats, or other military actions since then. The Pentagon chief is bearing the brunt of anger after the Iran war and its economic impact contributed to severe Republican losses in the midterms.

Sources: Las Vegas Sun