Republican Congressman Files Articles of Impeachment Against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie has introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing the Pentagon chief of violating the Constitution and federal law. The move represents a notable public condemnation of a top official within President Donald Trump's own party.

Among the allegations detailed in the articles are claims that Hegseth has waged war in Iran for over 90 days without congressional authorization, contravening provisions of the War Powers Resolution of 1973. Massie stated that Hegseth's "constitutional violations extend beyond the illegal war in Iran. He is abusing the power of his office to ignore congressional war powers resolutions, to kidnap foreign leaders, and to intimidate critics of the Trump administration by retaliating against them for exercising free speech."

One article of impeachment specifically alleges that Hegseth is "suppressing free speech" by using the Defense Department's authority to retaliate against Senator Mark Kelly. This action, according to Massie, targets Kelly for constitutionally protected speech after the senator released a video with other Democrats reminding military members they can refuse illegal orders.

Another article challenges the legality of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, asserting it was conducted "without constitutional or legal authority."

Massie acknowledged he did not inform Republican leadership before introducing the impeachment articles. The effort faces significant hurdles, as passage in the Republican-controlled House would require a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate for conviction and removal from office, making its prospects for success uncertain.

The House is scheduled to recess later this week, and it remains unclear when Massie's resolution will be brought to a vote.

Massie's action comes amid broader criticism of Hegseth's leadership at the Pentagon. Earlier in September, Republican Senator Thom Tillis called for Hegseth's replacement, citing what he described as "inept management" and a focus on "culture wars" over national defense. Tillis's comments followed the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, one of more than 20 military and civilian leaders who have departed the Department of Defense since Hegseth assumed leadership.

Rep. Don Bacon, another Republican, echoed some of Tillis's sentiments, telling CNN that while he did not feel it was his place to dictate presidential hiring and firing decisions, Hegseth "would not be on my team" and had not been "a very good leader."

Despite these criticisms from within his own party, President Trump has publicly supported Hegseth, stating the Defense Secretary is "doing a fantastic job." Attorney General Todd Blanche also defended Hegseth, asserting that the "Secretary of War doesn't just go off and do things—he follows the law."

This is not the first instance of Massie clashing with the White House. He previously opposed Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" and criticized the actions in Venezuela. Massie also collaborated with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna on efforts to release documents related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, an initiative that Trump initially opposed before signing related legislation.

Trump had publicly criticized Massie, calling him "the Worst ‘Republican’ Congressman" and an "ineffective LOSER." The President had endorsed Massie's primary opponent in May.