Massie tries to impeach Hegseth

A Republican critic of Trump is forcing a House fight over Pete Hegseth’s handling of Iran, Venezuela, and Pentagon dissent.

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Sep 15, 2026

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Massie tries to impeach Hegseth

A Republican critic of Trump is forcing a House fight over Pete Hegseth’s handling of Iran, Venezuela, and Pentagon dissent.

In brief

A Republican critic of Trump is forcing a House fight over Pete Hegseth’s handling of Iran, Venezuela, and Pentagon dissent. Massie’s impeachment push is unlikely to remove Hegseth, but it puts Republican anger over war powers and Pentagon leadership on the record. Originally reported by TIME.

A Republican breaks ranks

A Republican breaks ranks

Rep. Thomas Massie introduced eight impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a rare public attack on a Trump Cabinet official from inside the GOP.

Iran drives the charge

Massie says Hegseth kept U.S. forces in hostilities in Iran for more than 90 days without Congress approving the war, violating the War Powers Resolution.

“breaking the law and must be held accountable”

Free speech is included

One article accuses Hegseth of using Defense Department power to intimidate Sen. Mark Kelly after Kelly told service members they can refuse illegal orders.

“suppressing free speech”

Venezuela is another flashpoint

Massie also targets the U.S. operation in Venezuela that captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife, saying it lacked constitutional or legal authority.

“without constitutional or legal authority”

The vote faces long odds

Massie did not warn GOP leaders before acting. Even if the House advanced the measure, conviction would need a two-thirds Senate vote.

GOP criticism has grown

Hegseth has drawn fire from some Republicans over the Iran war and Pentagon management, including after at least 20 military and civilian leaders left the department.

Tillis called for replacement

Sen. Thom Tillis urged Trump to pick a new Pentagon chief, accusing Hegseth of poor management and focusing on culture fights over defense work.

“I have never witnessed more inept management”

Trump is still backing him

Trump has praised Hegseth’s performance, while Attorney General Todd Blanche said Hegseth follows the law. Massie’s move extends his feud with the White House.

“doing a fantastic job”

What matters most

Massie’s impeachment push is unlikely to remove Hegseth, but it puts Republican anger over war powers and Pentagon leadership on the record.

Read the original on TIME

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