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US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is facing possible impeachment after Republican Congressman Thomas Massie introduced a resolution to remove him from office. Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment, accusing Hegseth of carrying out unlawful orders and contravening the United States Constitution by waging war against Iran and Venezuela, as well as systematically failing to protect civilians.
Impeachment Process and Allegations
The US Constitution gives the House of Representatives the sole power of impeachment for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. If a majority of the House votes to impeach a cabinet member, the Senate decides whether to acquit or convict, with conviction requiring a two-thirds majority. Hegseth would be the second head of the US military to face impeachment since William Belknap in 1876. Out of the eight articles against Hegseth, four concern Iran, two cover Venezuela and Caribbean boat strikes, one relates to a 2025 air campaign in Yemen, and one involves his treatment of Democratic Senator Mark Kelly.
Massie stated that while Trump was culpable for issuing unlawful orders, Hegseth chose to carry them out. Three Iran articles rest on the 1973 War Powers Resolution, accusing Hegseth of going to war without congressional approval, ignoring a June congressional resolution ordering forces out, and exceeding the 60-day limit for unauthorized hostilities. The articles also accuse Hegseth of dismantling civilian-protection infrastructure and holding responsibility for the Minab school strike that killed 156 civilians on the war’s first day. Massie dismissed claims that the strike was a fog-of-war mistake, noting months of preparation.
Actions in Venezuela and Yemen
Following the January abduction of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores by US special forces, along with Caribbean boat strikes, the articles accuse Hegseth of committing an act of war without congressional approval, using drug enforcement as cover to control Venezuelan oil, and carrying out extrajudicial killings of at least 243 people across 69 boat strikes since September 2025. Massie dismissed the operation as a kidnapping scheme for oil. Regarding the 2025 Yemen bombing campaign against the Houthi group, Hegseth is accused of launching operations without a declaration of war or imminent threat, proceeding despite late congressional notification, and directing an operation that killed an estimated 224 civilians based on a leaked Signal chat.
Hegseth and Trump’s Response
Hegseth held a press conference where he called the motion a farce and a stunt, arguing that his oversight involved lawful military operations and that policy disagreements should be addressed through legislation or elections rather than show trials. He defended his track record and warned that punishing him would pave the way for prosecuting soldiers, stating that opponents would have to go through him to reach the warriors. President Trump expressed support for Hegseth, stating he would stand by him even if impeached and labeling Massie a stone-cold loser.
With Republicans controlling the House until January 3 before Democrats take over, Massie would need only a handful of Republican votes if most Democrats support the resolution. Conviction in the Senate remains difficult because it requires a 67-vote supermajority, which neither party holds. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer stated that Hegseth must stand trial before the Senate, while Massie urged Trump to replace Hegseth immediately to secure a Senate-confirmed successor.
