US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to face a House impeachment vote this week. Republican Representative Thomas Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Monday, citing alleged abuses of power, including waging war against Iran without congressional approval. A vote is expected in the House, where Democrats will take control on January 3. Hegseth has defended his actions, saying he is not worried about the impeachment push.
Hegseth has been a polarizing figure, with President Donald Trump strongly defending him. Trump pointed to the US military's performance in Iran and Venezuela, saying Hegseth had "won two wars." Trump also called Massie a "stone-cold loser" and vowed to stand by Hegseth even if he is impeached. House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the impeachment effort, saying it would be "a terrible thing for our allies and enemies to see" during a time of hostilities abroad.
The impeachment push against Hegseth has drawn comparisons to the impeachment of William Belknap, the first and only civilian leader of the US military to be impeached by Congress. Belknap was accused of taking huge kickbacks and handed his resignation to President Ulysses Grant ahead of his scheduled impeachment vote. Hegseth, however, has promised to stay and fight, mounting a social media campaign and drawing comparisons to Trump, who was impeached twice.
Some Republican lawmakers have expressed concern that Hegseth's strained relationship with Congress could undermine the Trump administration's push for a $1.5 trillion defense spending package. Massie warned that impeachment would be "much gentler" than what's in store for Hegseth once Democrats take control in January. Democrats have promised to investigate Hegseth over issues including the firing of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other senior leaders.
The articles of impeachment against Hegseth accuse him of "high crimes and misdemeanors" ranging from waging the Iran war to various alleged abuses of power. Hegseth is also accused of violating the free speech rights of US Senator Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat. Last year, Hegseth sought to prosecute Kelly after he and five other Democrats in Congress with backgrounds in the military and intelligence urged US troops to refuse illegal orders.
Congressional sources say the resolution may have the votes to pass even with Republicans still controlling the House. However, conviction appears unlikely in the Senate, where a two-thirds majority is required and Republicans hold 53 of 100 seats. US Senator Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said the Senate needs to put Hegseth on trial, citing his alleged defiance of the Constitution and multiple War Powers Resolutions.
Hegseth announced a press conference for Tuesday, his first at the Pentagon since May. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also the White House national security adviser, called the impeachment push "unfair," saying Hegseth had done a good job. The outcome of the impeachment vote and potential trial remains uncertain, with significant implications for Hegseth's tenure and the Trump administration's defense agenda.
Key points
- The House is set to vote on impeaching US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- Hegseth is accused of waging war against Iran without congressional approval and other abuses of power.
- The impeachment push has drawn comparisons to the impeachment of William Belknap, the first civilian leader of the US military to be impeached by Congress.
