Massie Sets Clock for Hegseth Impeachment Vote Amid War Powers Clash

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., forced a House vote on the impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by reintroducing articles of impeachment on Monday. The resolution demands a floor vote within the next two days. The move pits the Kentucky Republican against a defense chief who has called the effort a "sham." The central conflict involves the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress regarding military authority.

The resolution lists eight specific charges. Three allege illegal waging of war against Iran in violation of the War Powers Resolution. One charge cites ignoring laws meant to minimize civilian casualties. One charge accuses Hegseth of overseeing extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean via strikes on alleged drug boats. One charge links the suppression of free speech to efforts to punish Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., for a video telling service members they can refuse illegal orders. One charge covers the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro without congressional authorization. The final charge alleges illegal waging of war against Yemen in violation of the War Powers Resolution.

This is not Massie's first attempt to remove Hegseth. He previously sought to bring the resolution to the floor before the midterm elections. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., called an early recess to avoid that vote. That action caused the resolution to expire. Massie reintroduced the text on Monday to restart the process. Hegseth defended his Pentagon record in a video released last Thursday. He dismissed the new effort by saying, "Didn't work against President Trump and it won't work with me."

Massie addressed reporters on Monday after Hegseth labeled him a "disgruntled defeated congressman." The Kentucky Republican responded, "Well, he's right about one thing. I'm a defeated congressman. I'm not disgruntled." He characterized the process as a firing rather than a criminal proceeding. He warned that Democratic leadership would be "very vicious" if they controlled the process. Massie said the effort underscores the need to litigate whether Congress has real war powers.

The War Powers Resolution has largely been ignored by presidents of both parties, Massie noted. He said, "What's at heart here is the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress." Presumptive next House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has signaled support for an impeachment push against Hegseth. This alignment suggests the vote may pass the House chamber.

Republican members who oppose the move argue the administration could better explain its Iran war plan to Congress and the public. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, indicated to NPR that impeachment would be hypocritical. He cited administrations since the Korean War ignoring congressional war powers efforts. Davidson stated, "I think trying to scapegoat Pete Hegseth is just the status quo politics in Washington. I think it would be a mistake to impeach." He suggested lawmakers use the power of the purse to withhold conflict funds instead.

Vote counts indicate sufficient support to impeach Hegseth in the House. All Democrats, Massie, and a handful of Republicans could provide the majority. A two-thirds Senate threshold for conviction and removal remains a high bar. The House is scheduled to vote within the next two days.