Thomas Massie Triggers Impeachment Vote Against Pete Hegseth

Representative Thomas Massie plans to trigger a House impeachment vote against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during the week of November 9. Massie is reintroducing articles of impeachment alleging that Hegseth violated the War Powers Resolution by conducting the war in Iran without congressional authorization. The move follows a historic midterm election landslide in which Democrats secured control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Republican lawmakers and Vice President JD Vance have attributed the electoral defeat to the ongoing conflict in Iran, with some GOP members accusing Hegseth of pushing the administration into the war without an exit strategy. While President Donald Trump acknowledged the war was a factor in the losses, he publicly defended Hegseth, stating the secretary is doing a very good job. Despite this public support, Trump is reportedly consulting advisers on whether to replace Hegseth, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis mentioned as a potential candidate.

Democratic leaders, including House Speaker-elect Hakeem Jeffries and Senate leader Chuck Schumer, have vowed to hold the White House accountable and push for an immediate end to the war. Although House Speaker Mike Johnson previously blocked an impeachment vote by adjourning Congress early, sources indicate the measure may now pass as some Republicans are no longer facing reelection. Hegseth has indicated he will not resign, and his removal from office would require a subsequent conviction by the Senate.