Republican Lawmaker Moves to Impeach Sec. of Defense Hegseth

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Republican member of Congress is seeking to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from office, accusing him of violating federal war powers laws, authorizing unlawful military operations and using the Department of Defense to retaliate against political critics.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, introduced the eight-article impeachment resolution Monday afternoon on the House floor. The resolution outlines allegations involving U.S. military operations in Iran, Venezuela and Yemen, as well as strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

“By engaging in hostilities in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional authorization, Secretary Hegseth is breaking the law and must be held accountable.”

— Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky

The resolution argues that Hegseth violated the Constitution and federal law by directing military operations without congressional authorization. It also accuses him of undermining civilian protections and threatening a U.S. senator who questioned the legality of military orders.

The eight articles outline the allegations:

Iran and Congressional Authority

The first three articles focus on the U.S. military campaign against Iran, which the resolution says began Feb. 28, 2026.

Massie alleges Hegseth directed U.S. forces into hostilities without a declaration of war or specific congressional authorization. The resolution also cites congressional action opposing the campaign. The House passed House Concurrent Resolution 86 on June 3, and the Senate approved it June 23. The measure called for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran.

The resolution further argues that the administration exceeded the War Powers Resolution’s 60-day limit. It places the deadline at May 1, with a possible additional 30-day withdrawal period ending June 1. Massie says the administration did not submit the required written certification to extend the operation.

Civilian Casualties and Military Oversight

The fourth article accuses Hegseth of dismantling safeguards designed to prevent civilian deaths during military operations.

The resolution cites changes to the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence and an Army database used to track civilian casualties. It also points to the Feb. 28 strike on Shajarah Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran. The resolution says that attack killed at least 156 civilians, including at least 120 children, and wounded about 95 others.

It also cites Hegseth’s public statement, “Maximum lethality, not tepid legality,” as evidence of what Massie describes as a disregard for civilian protection requirements.

Strikes Against Suspected Drug Vessels

The fifth article accuses Hegseth of ordering unlawful killings during military strikes against suspected narcotics vessels.

According to the resolution, U.S. forces carried out at least 69 attack events involving 73 or more vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Massie alleges those operations killed at least 243 people. The article also raises allegations that U.S. forces conducted follow-up strikes against survivors and failed to provide rescue assistance.

Retaliation Against Sen. Mark Kelly

The sixth article focuses on Hegseth’s response to Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, after Kelly appeared in a video reminding service members that they can refuse illegal orders.

Massie alleges Hegseth retaliated against Kelly by threatening to recall him to active duty, issuing a letter of censure and pursuing additional administrative or criminal action.

Military Operations in Venezuela and Yemen

The final two articles address U.S. military operations outside Iran.

The seventh article targets Operation Absolute Resolve, the Jan. 3, 2026, operation in Venezuela that captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The resolution alleges the operation lacked congressional authorization and resulted in 83 deaths, including civilians, as well as seven U.S. casualties. It also questions whether the operation served an effort to gain control of Venezuelan oil resources.

The eighth article concerns Operation Rough Rider, the U.S. campaign in Yemen from March 15 through May 6, 2025. The resolution cites more than 1,100 strikes and estimates that the campaign killed 224 civilians and between 500 and 600 Houthi fighters. It also references a leaked Signal chat in which Hegseth reportedly wrote, “we can easily pause.”

Rep. Massie said the impeachment effort also serves as a warning about what could follow if Democrats take control of Congress.

“My effort to impeach Secretary Hegseth is a much gentler version of what’s coming when the Democrats assume control of the House and Senate next year. They will hold hearings and trials. President Trump should replace Secretary Hegseth now while he can still get a replacement confirmed in the Senate.”

— Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky

Massie introduced the resolution as a privileged measure under House Rule IX, setting a two-legislative-day deadline for House consideration. Speaker Mike Johnson must schedule the measure, which would have to come before the House for action before Wednesday. Members could vote on impeachment, table the resolution or refer it to committee.

Hegseth faced questions about the impeachment effort as he passed reporters on live television and said a press conference on Nov. 10 would address the matter.

“We’re going to do a press conference tomorrow morning at the Pentagon on that very topic,” Hegseth said.

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