House Representative Thomas Massie Files Impeachment Resolution Against Pete Hegseth
The outgoing Republican congressman has introduced articles of impeachment against the Defense Secretary over military actions in Iran, Yemen, and Venezuela.
Outgoing U.S. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky moved on Monday to force a vote to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, reading a 34-page resolution from the House floor. The move targets one of the most prominent figures in the administration, citing actions connected to military campaigns in the Middle East and Latin America.
Massie accused Hegseth of violating the War Powers Resolution of 1973 by engaging in hostilities in Iran and Yemen without congressional authorization. The resolution lists eight articles of impeachment, arguing that Hegseth knowingly executed unlawful orders, ignored legal limits designed to protect civilians, and acted as a continued threat to the U.S. Constitution.
The resolution specifically highlights the conflict with Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, noting that military operations continued past statutory limits without a formal congressional declaration of war. It also points to Operation Rough Rider in Yemen, during which the U.S. military conducted more than 1,100 strikes across Houthi-controlled regions.
Additionally, the impeachment articles reference controversial actions including the January 3 capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores under Operation Absolute Resolve, as well as lethal strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. The document further accuses Hegseth of ignoring laws intended to minimize civilian casualties, mentioning a strike on an elementary school in Minab, Iran, and alleging extrajudicial killings.
President Donald Trump strongly criticized Massie following the announcement, calling him a loser, while defending Hegseth and commending him for his role in military operations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell also defended Hegseth, dismissing the resolution as a politically motivated witch hunt and asserting that the Department of Defense followed the law.
Hegseth dismissed the impeachment push during remarks to reporters, stating that he is eager to defend the administration's military decisions. Meanwhile, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer both endorsed the impeachment effort, with Schumer stating that Hegseth must stand trial before the Senate if the House passes the measure.
Because Massie filed the resolution as privileged, House leaders are forced to bring the articles to the floor for a vote within two legislative days. While Republicans currently hold majorities in both chambers, the uncertainty of the legislative calendar leaves the ultimate outcome of the impeachment proceedings unclear as the new Congress prepares to convene.