Republican congressman pushes impeachment vote for Defence Secretary Hegseth over alleged US Constitution violations
Republican Congressman, Thomas Massie, will push for a House vote to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth for alleged constitutional violations.
Massie claims Hegseth continued hostilities in Iran beyond 90 days without congressional approval, thus breaking the law and needing accountability.
Though likely to fail with Republicans in power until January, Massie intends to prompt action before Democrats initiate their own impeachment efforts.
Hegseth, planning a Tuesday news conference about the impeachment move, dismissed concerns over the resolution introduced by Massie on Monday.
Impeachment push
Massie, who lost re-election, has consistently criticised Trump, the Iran conflict, and advocates for transparency on Jeffrey Epstein’s case.
Impeaching cabinet members is rare, requiring approval from both congressional chambers to remove the official.
The House has only twice impeached cabinet members in U.S. history, with neither obtaining Senate conviction.
Speaker Mike Johnson must now decide on Massie’s resolution within two days, with options to vote, refer it to committee, or dismiss it.
House Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries supports Massie’s impeachment effort, though gaining wider Republican support is uncertain.
Public affairs expert Peter Loge predicts the slim Republican majority might allow the measure to pass due to internal party dissent.
Despite potential House success, Senate conviction demands a challenging two-thirds majority vote.
With Democrats assuming January control, Senate conviction remains unlikely without Republican backing, even with potential Democratic Senate gains.
Massie’s concerns extend beyond Iran, accusing Hegseth of critic intimidation, foreign leader kidnapping, and ignoring war powers resolutions.
Loge believes negative attention could influence Trump to dismiss Hegseth, a figure attracting scrutiny.
Hegseth’s prominent status might risk his position under Trump’s current administration focus.
