Thomas Massie Moves to Impeach Pete Hegseth Over Iran War, Forces House Vote

Rep. Thomas Massie introduced an article of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, accusing him of unlawfully continuing U.S. military operations against Iran without congressional authorization.

The Kentucky Republican announced the move on the House floor, arguing that Hegseth violated the War Powers Resolution of 1973. Massie contends that the administration has continued military operations beyond the period permitted under the law without obtaining specific authorization from Congress.

Massie’s resolution accuses Hegseth of executing unlawful orders and acting in a manner incompatible with his duties as defense secretary. He argued that allowing the conflict to continue without congressional approval undermines Congress’ constitutional authority over war powers.

By introducing the measure as a privileged resolution, Massie can force the House to address it within two legislative days. Republican leaders could respond by holding a direct vote on impeachment or attempting to table the resolution.

The impeachment effort marks the latest chapter in Massie’s long-running dispute with the Trump administration over the Iran war. Massie has repeatedly argued that Congress must explicitly authorize continued U.S. involvement in the conflict and previously voted for resolutions directing the president to remove American forces from unauthorized hostilities with Iran.

Congress has already held several contentious votes over the conflict. Lawmakers from both parties have raised questions about the extent of presidential authority to continue military operations without a formal declaration of war or another specific authorization from Congress.

The Trump administration has maintained that an earlier phase of the conflict ended before subsequent fighting began, an interpretation that could affect how the War Powers Resolution’s time limits are calculated. Massie rejects that reasoning and maintains that the continuing hostilities require congressional approval.

Hegseth was already facing a separate impeachment effort introduced by House Democrats in April. That six-article resolution included allegations involving unauthorized military action against Iran, handling of sensitive military information, congressional oversight and other aspects of his leadership at the Pentagon.

Massie’s relationship with Hegseth has also become politically contentious. Earlier this year, Hegseth appeared at a campaign event supporting the Republican who challenged Massie in Kentucky’s primary, an unusual political appearance for a sitting defense secretary. The Pentagon said Hegseth participated in a personal capacity and that taxpayer money was not used for the appearance.

Massie’s latest resolution ensures the dispute over Hegseth and presidential war powers will return to the House floor. With Republicans controlling the chamber, GOP leaders have the ability to try to table the measure rather than allow it to advance further.