Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) introduced eight articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, accusing him of violating congressional war powers and other constitutional limits, including through the U.S. conflict with Iran.
Massie Centers First Charges On Iran
Massie said Hegseth’s alleged violations extend “beyond the illegal war in Iran,” arguing that he also ignored congressional directives, retaliated against critics and participated in operations in Venezuela, the Caribbean and Yemen. Massie filed the resolution as privileged, requiring the House to take it up within two legislative days.
The first three articles center on Iran. Massie accuses Hegseth of waging war without a declaration or statutory authorization, continuing hostilities after Congress directed the removal of U.S. forces and remaining in the conflict beyond the War Powers Resolution’s 60-day deadline and possible 30-day withdrawal period. Congress has repeatedly challenged the administration’s Iran policy, including a House war-powers vote Massie previously hailed as a message to “end this war.”
Other Articles Target Kelly, Venezuela, Yemen
Article four accuses Hegseth of disregarding laws intended to minimize civilian casualties. Article five alleges unlawful killings of suspected drug traffickers during maritime operations, while Article six accuses him of suppressing Sen. Mark Kelly’s (D-Ariz.) speech. Hegseth had moved to censure and reduce Kelly’s retired Navy rank and pension after Kelly urged troops to reject unlawful orders. A federal judge later blocked that action, ruling Kelly’s speech was protected by the First Amendment.
Massie’s seventh article targets Operation Absolute Resolve, the January U.S. mission that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Reuters reported the operation involved more than 150 aircraft and months of planning. The eighth article alleges Hegseth launched Operation Rough Rider in Yemen without congressional authorization and violated reporting requirements.
Massie Seeks Removal, Pentagon Pushes Back
“In all of this, Secretary Hegseth abused the powers entrusted to him,” Massie said, arguing the conduct warrants removal and disqualification from future office.
The Pentagon rejected the thrust of Massie’s effort. “The entire Department is unified behind the Secretary’s vision and will continue working to put our warfighters and America first,” Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson told Reuters in a statement.
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