Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., introduced a resolution to impeach War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, reading eight articles of impeachment against him on the House floor. The resolution accuses Hegseth of high crimes and misdemeanors, including alleged violations of the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and his role in the operation that led to the capture and extradition of former Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.
War Powers Resolution Allegations
The first three articles of impeachment focus on Hegseth's alleged violation of the War Powers Resolution regarding U.S. military actions in Iran. Massie's articles assert that Hegseth's Department of War has been waging war without a declaration of war, statutory authorization, an attack on the United States, or an imminent threat. The first article states the war was unlawful from its inception. The second article claims Hegseth disobeyed Congress after both the House and Senate directed the removal of troops from Iran. The third article contends that hostilities continued in Iran beyond the resolution's 60-day termination period and any potential 30-day withdrawal period.
Other Accusations
Articles four and five accuse Hegseth of failing to minimize civilian casualties and engaging in extrajudicial killing, specifically citing operations in the Caribbean Sea that targeted suspected drug traffickers. Article six alleges that Hegseth used his authority to suppress the free speech of Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., by retaliating against the senator for a video that critics claimed encouraged military members to disobey orders.
The seventh article addresses Hegseth's involvement in Operation Absolute Resolve, the mission that apprehended Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in Caracas. Massie's article condemns this action as the "Kidnapping of a Sovereign Foreign Leader" carried out without constitutional or legal authority.
The final article charges Hegseth with carrying out unlawful orders in Yemen through Operation Rough Rider. This operation allegedly began without congressional authorization or an imminent threat to the United States, and involved unlawful strikes on civilian objects and protected persons, resulting in extensive civilian deaths.
Massie stated on the House floor that Hegseth "abused the powers entrusted to him as Secretary of Defense by subordinating the constitutional limits on the use of military force and the laws governing the conduct of hostilities to his own policy objectives." He concluded that Hegseth "has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to civilians, the lawful conduct of United States military operations, the integrity and credibility of the United States Armed Forces and the Constitution, if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties, and the rule of law."
Massie asserted that these actions "warrant impeachment and trial, removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States."
