Republican congressman initiates impeachment proceedings against Defense Secretary Hegseth
Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, filed articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging he violated the War Powers Resolution by conducting military operations against Iran for over 90 days without congressional approval. The privileged resolution forces a House vote within two legislative days, creating political pressure on fellow Republicans during an election period.
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Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie filed an eight-article impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, accusing him of violating the War Powers Resolution of 1973 by continuing military operations against Iran without congressional authorization beyond the legally permitted 90-day period. By introducing the measure as privileged under House rules, Massie forced a floor vote within two legislative days, bypassing the usual approval process controlled by party leadership.
The resolution contains several serious allegations against Hegseth. The articles claim he failed to protect civilians during military operations, authorized unlawful killings in counternarcotics missions, and retaliated against Senator Mark Kelly for his public criticism. Additionally, Massie's resolution accuses Hegseth of ordering an unauthorized mission to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, and of expanding military operations in Yemen beyond congressional approval.
The impeachment effort places Republican lawmakers in a difficult political position weeks before the midterm elections. The ongoing Iran conflict has attracted growing scrutiny due to both its military justification and its economic impacts, particularly rising consumer prices. Massie, a frequent critic within his own party, lost his GOP primary election earlier this year after President Donald Trump publicly endorsed his opponent.
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