Hegseth faces impeachment resolution from GOP member with little to lose
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Mactan Expo on October 28, 2026 in Cebu, Philippines. Photo: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday over his handling of the Iran war and other alleged misconduct.
Why it matters: The coming vote could mark the first impeachment of a Cabinet secretary during the second Trump administration and signal what's to come when Democrats take control of Congress next year.
What they're saying: Hegseth "will remain a threat to 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 said Monday while reading the articles of impeachment on the House floor.
- "Secretary Hegseth knowingly executed and implemented unlawful orders to initiate war against a foreign nation… thereby substituting unlawful executive action for the constitutional and statutory judgment of Congress."
The other side: Hegseth dismissed the impeachment push as politically motivated "noise" Monday, telling reporters that he and his team aren't worried with the push.
- The Department of Defense didn't immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
Catch up quick: Massie first introduced the articles of impeachment prior to the House going into recess so members could campaign. He reintroduced the resolution Monday, restarting a two-legislative-day clock for House leaders to act.
- Massie and other members of Congress accuse Hegseth of defying Congress by continuing the unpopular war in Iran despite legislative efforts to shut it down.
- Three of the eight articles accuse Hegseth of violating congressional war powers in Iran. The others allege misconduct involving civilian casualties, strikes on suspected drug boats, retaliation against Sen. Mark Kelly, the capture of Nicolás Maduro and military operations in Yemen.
- Hegseth has reportedly been among the most ardent supporters of the war, telling Trump that the conflict would be easy to win.
- Eight months later, that doesn't appear to be true.
Between the lines: Republicans who previously resisted reining in the administration's war effort might be more willing to impeach Hegseth now that voters have delivered a strong rebuke of the administration and its war during the 2026 midterms.
- And with dozens of House and Senate members retiring or leaving Congress, it's possible the YOLO caucus might decide Hegseth should be the fall guy.
- House GOP leaders are bracing for defections, Axios reported Sunday.
What we're watching: Even if the House impeaches Hegseth, removing him from office would require a two-thirds vote in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Go deeper: House poised to impeach Pete Hegseth after GOP midterm defeat
