Thomas Massie launches effort to impeach Pete Hegseth, and it’s over the allegedly illegal war that was not approved by Congress

Representative Thomas Massie has officially launched an effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing military actions against Iran that he argues were never approved by Congress, as reported by The Hill. This move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing friction between the Kentucky lawmaker and the current administration. Massie introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth, specifically alleging high crimes and misdemeanors related to these military operations.

Massie took the step of making his resolution privileged. By using this procedural tool, he is forcing the resolution to the House floor for a vote, and House rules dictate that this vote must occur within two days.

Massie contends that Hegseth violated “his oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” He also claims the Secretary failed his constitutional duty to ensure laws are faithfully executed, particularly concerning the commission of war.

According to Massie, Hegseth has abused the powers of the Department of Defense

This is not the first time Massie has challenged military actions in the region, as he has previously introduced war powers resolutions aimed at limiting the military activities of President Trump in Iran. While the House has managed to pass two such resolutions in the past with some Republicans joining Democrats, it remains unclear if this specific impeachment effort will gather significant GOP support.

Massie lost his primary election in May to Ed Gallrein, who had the backing of President Trump. During that campaign, Hegseth actually traveled to Kentucky to support Gallrein, explicitly calling Massie “an obstructionist.” At the time, Hegseth noted, “At some point, being against everything becomes an excuse for accomplishing nothing.”

The Pentagon is pushing back hard against these allegations and continues to stand firmly behind the Secretary. Kingsley Wilson, the press secretary for the Pentagon, released a statement on Tuesday praising Hegseth as “a transformative leader” who has delivered real results for the department.

Wilson stated, “Standards and merit are back, our arsenal is stronger than ever before and morale and recruitment across every service are at all-time highs. Secretary Hegseth has slashed bureaucracy, unleashed innovation and delivered for our warfighters every step of the way.”

The Pentagon also emphasized that the department is unified under the current leadership. Wilson added, “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.”

Under the existing War Powers Resolution, a president is required to end unauthorized military involvement within 60 days unless Congress provides formal approval or a declaration of war. There is an additional 30-day window allowed for the safe withdrawal of troops. Massie is clearly banking on the idea that these recent actions fall outside of those legal bounds.