On Thursday, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) urged President Donald Trump to fire Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth before lawmakers vote on impeachment articles accusing him of launching an unauthorized war against Iran.
Massie Urges Trump to Remove Hegseth
Massie called on Trump to remove Hegseth in a post on X, arguing that firing the Pentagon chief would be preferable to allowing the impeachment process to proceed.
“Trump should fire Hegseth to avoid Hegseth’s impeachment. It’s the honorable thing to do,” Massie wrote.
Massie was responding to a social media post that weighed Hegseth’s removal after the midterm elections and holding him responsible for the war in Iran.
The Kentucky Republican has accused Hegseth of initiating military action against Iran without congressional authorization and abusing the powers of the Defense Department.
He introduced articles of impeachment on the House floor in September, alleging high crimes and misdemeanors.
House GOP Delays Impeachment Vote
House Republican leaders postponed the impeachment vote, originally scheduled for September, until the lame-duck session following the midterm elections.
Massie and Democrats accused GOP leadership of delaying the vote to shield vulnerable Republicans from a politically damaging fight before November’s elections.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) rejected the allegations, calling them “ridiculous,” The Hill reported.
Massie said he would reintroduce the impeachment articles when lawmakers return for the lame-duck session, regardless of the midterm results.
The congressman, who frequently breaks with Trump, lost Kentucky’s Republican primary this year to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein.
Trump Previously Praised Hegseth’s Performance
In August, Trump praised Hegseth’s leadership amid speculation about the defense secretary’s potential 2028 presidential ambitions.
“I think he’s doing a fantastic job, but it’s very early to talk about that,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
Trump added that Republicans needed to focus on the midterm elections first, describing Hegseth as “a very good guy” who was focused on the military.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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