WASHINGTON, — The US House of Representatives is expected to consider eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie. The resolution accuses Hegseth of exceeding his authority through military operations in Iran, Yemen and Venezuela, as well as other alleged misconduct. House procedures require action on the measure by November 11.
Massie introduced the 34-page resolution as a privileged measure. Three articles accuse Hegseth of violating the 1973 War Powers Resolution by conducting military operations against Iran without congressional authorization, continuing hostilities beyond the 60-day limit and ignoring a June congressional resolution calling for the withdrawal of US forces.
Another article addresses civilian casualties, including a US strike on an elementary school in Minab, Iran, on the first day of the conflict, which killed scores of children. It also accuses Hegseth of weakening safeguards designed to reduce civilian casualties.
Other charges concern strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, reportedly killing more than 220 people; the January 2026 capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro; military operations in Yemen under Operation Rough Rider; and alleged retaliation against Democratic Senator Mark Kelly after he urged service members to refuse illegal orders.
Hegseth and Trump Reject Allegations
Hegseth has rejected the charges, saying the operations were lawful, ordered by President Donald Trump and conducted with congressional notification. At a Pentagon news conference, he called the impeachment effort a political spectacle and said he stood behind every operation.
Trump has also defended Hegseth, criticizing Massie and describing the impeachment effort as politically motivated. He publicly praised Hegseth's response and pledged continued support.
Hegseth's Pentagon Leadership
Hegseth became the 29th US Secretary of Defense in January 2025. His tenure has included ending military diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, major senior military leadership changes and an initiative to revive the historical designation Department of War alongside the current department name.
Lawmakers Question $400 Million Ukraine Aid Delay
Separately, 32 Republican and Democratic lawmakers from both chambers have written to Hegseth and White House budget director Russell Vought, demanding an explanation for delays in delivering $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine.
Congress approved the funding in December 2025 under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). Lawmakers say the current schedule could delay final deliveries until fiscal year 2029. They have requested details about the spending and delivery timelines, including the reported exclusion of Patriot interceptors, with a written response requested by November 30.
House leaders can schedule a vote, table the resolution or refer it to a committee. A simple majority is required to approve the articles in the House. If passed, the resolution would move to the Senate for trial, where a two-thirds majority would be required to convict and remove Hegseth from office.
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