Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced a resolution containing eight articles of impeachment against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the House of Representatives on Monday, accusing him of violating US law and constitutional limits on military power.
Massie read the articles aloud on the House floor. The allegations are charges in a congressional resolution, not findings by a court or by Congress. Hegseth has not been impeached.
The charges
The resolution alleges that Hegseth:
- unlawfully conducted military action against Iran;
- continued the Iran conflict in violation of war-powers requirements;
- continued operations despite congressional action calling for withdrawal;
- disregarded legal protections for civilians, including in connection with a strike on an Iranian school;
- oversaw extrajudicial killings in operations against suspected drug traffickers;
- suppressed the free speech of Sen. Mark Kelly;
- conducted military action involving Venezuela without congressional authorisation; and
- unlawfully conducted military action against Yemen.
On the maritime strikes, the resolution refers to at least 243 suspected drug traffickers killed in operations in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, and alleges attacks on people who were shipwrecked survivors. On Venezuela, it alleges that the capture of President Nicolás Maduro involved military action without congressional authorisation. Kelly, a Democratic senator from Arizona and a former Navy pilot, took part in a video reminding service members they can refuse unlawful orders. Massie alleges Hegseth took part in suppressing his speech.
Massie argues that the Iran operations breached the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing forces to hostilities and generally limits unauthorised operations to 60 days. Whether Hegseth personally violated the law, and whether the president had independent authority as commander-in-chief, are separate legal questions that no court has decided.
What happens next
Massie used a privileged resolution, which can force the House to act within two legislative days, potentially by Wednesday, Nov 11. That is not an automatic vote 48 hours after filing. The House could vote on impeachment, table the resolution or refer it to committee, and the Speaker’s rulings affect the timing. A vote on the merits is expected.
Impeachment needs a simple majority of the House. A Senate trial would follow, and conviction requires two-thirds of senators present. The House impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in 2024 and Secretary of War William Belknap in 1876; the Senate did not convict either.
Massie announced an impeachment effort in September, but House Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the chamber early and no vote was held. Hegseth backed Ed Gallrein, who defeated Massie in the Republican primary. Massie’s stated basis is alleged violations of law and the Constitution.
Reactions
President Donald Trump said he would stand by Hegseth even if the House impeaches him. Hegseth dismissed the effort as politically motivated and said he was not worried. Johnson opposes the impeachment, and Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has indicated support. Republican Rep. Warren Davidson argued that singling out Hegseth is inconsistent because successive administrations have conducted operations amid disputes over war powers.
Opponents of impeachment say the president has constitutional authority as commander-in-chief, that operations do not require a formal declaration of war, and that Hegseth carries out the president’s decisions.
Political context
The resolution follows the Nov 3 midterm elections, in which Democrats won control of both chambers of the next Congress. The current Republican-controlled Congress remains in place until January 2027, so Republican votes will decide the outcome of the House vote this week.
