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Thomas Massie challenges Trump with push for Hegseth impeachment, Epstein files

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., conducts a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol after he introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the war in Iran and other military actions, on Monday, November 9, 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) — Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) at a Nov. 9 news conference after introducing articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Photo: Courtesy of Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Northern Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie's push to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over his handling of the Iran war and other alleged misconduct was blocked by House Republicans Tuesday. But a day later, he forced another showdown over the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Why it matters: Massie is nearing the end of his 14-year congressional career, but the Republican who's embraced his "Sassy Massie" moniker isn't done picking fights with his own party.

State of play: Massie's district includes Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties along the border with Ohio.

His impeachment charges accused Hegseth of violating congressional war powers in Iran, misconduct involving civilian casualties and retaliation against a congressional critic.

The big picture: He's made a career of bucking Republican leadership, even when it puts him at odds with President Trump:

Massie opposed Trump's COVID-19 relief package, prompting the president to call for his ouster from the GOP.
He opposed Trump's "one big, beautiful bill" over national debt concerns.
And Massie has teamed up with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) to force the release of Jeffrey Epstein files, defying Trump and GOP leadership.

The intrigue: Trump backed Massie's primary challenger, Ed Gallrein, who defeated the incumbent in May.

The other side: Hegseth dismissed the impeachment effort as politically motivated at a Tuesday news conference.

The conference clearly pleased Trump, who gave Hegseth "an 'A' PLUS, PLUS, PLUS" in a Truth Social post.

The bottom line: Tuesday's vote effectively kills any effort to impeach Hegseth this Congress.

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Thomas Massie challenges Trump with push for Hegseth impeachment, Epstein files

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