Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is confronting a bipartisan impeachment threat as Congress prepares to return, with House Republicans citing frustration over the Iran war and recent midterm election setbacks as potential catalysts. Several House Republicans have indicated to Fox News Digital that a resolution to impeach Hegseth could be brought to a vote as early as next week.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., a vocal critic of U.S. foreign intervention, stated his intention to force a vote on impeaching Hegseth if the Secretary of War does not resign first. Massie plans to use a privileged resolution, a procedural tool that can compel a vote on legislation even without majority leadership support. Once filed, lawmakers typically have two legislative days to vote on such a resolution.
However, the procedure allows for an initial vote to "table" the bill or refer it to committee, which usually leads to its demise. Despite this, some House Republicans expressed confidence that an impeachment resolution against Hegseth could succeed. One GOP lawmaker suggested that the departure of Republican members who lost re-election could be a deciding factor, potentially allowing impeachment to pass with unified Democratic support and a small number of Republican defections.
The midterm elections saw Democrats achieve significant victories, with projections indicating that the war in Iran and tariff policies contributed to voters turning away from the Republican party. President Trump, while acknowledging the political impact of the conflict, maintained that the military action was necessary. He has also stated that he believes Hegseth is performing his duties well.
Some within the White House, however, appear to hold Hegseth accountable for the election outcomes. One former White House official described Hegseth as being "on the chopping block," while a current official suggested that Trump might hold him accountable during the lame-duck session.
The White House has criticized the impeachment efforts, with spokeswoman Lauren Bis stating that pursuing "sham investigations" would be working against the American people. Another White House official commented that if Democrats "abuse their power and politicize their process of investigations, subpoenas, and destroying lives, they should be reminded that we still control the federal government and all of its powers."
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell dismissed the rumors, asserting that Hegseth "will not back down or be deterred by politicians seeking to score partisan points or launch phony investigations where no wrongdoing exists." Parnell added that the Department of War has followed the law and its secretary will continue to defend the Constitution, lead troops, and protect America.
Many House Republicans remain skeptical about impeachment, with one suggesting it depends on whether any members wish to defy the president as they leave office. On the Democratic side, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is expected to become the next Speaker, has openly questioned Hegseth's continued role. Other Democrats, including Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., have previously stated Hegseth is unqualified and should be removed.
If Hegseth were to be impeached by the House, he would not be removed from office without a subsequent trial in the U.S. Senate.