# Massie introduces impeachment articles against Hegseth

> Rep. Thomas Massie introduces eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, forcing a House vote as early as this week.
- Title: Massie introduces impeachment articles against Hegseth · CNBC
- Summary: Rep. Thomas Massie introduces eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, forcing a House vote as early as this week. Rep.
- Keywords: pete hegseth, thomas massie, impeachment, defense secretary, house of representatives, iran war, war powers, mark kelly, CNBC
- Source: CNBC — https://cnbc.com/2026/11/09/pete-hegseth-impeachment-articles-massie.html
- Author: Garrett Downs
- Published: 2026-11-09T19:35:07+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pete hegseth, thomas massie, impeachment, defense secretary, house of representatives, iran war, war powers, mark kelly, business, finance
## Massie files impeachment against Hegseth
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, forcing a House vote as early as this week.
## The charges against Hegseth
The articles accuse Hegseth of waging war in contravention of war powers resolutions passed by Congress, extrajudicial killings tied to boat strikes in the Caribbean targeting drug smugglers, and suppressing free speech by targeting Sen.
## Massie's language on the floor
Massie read from the House floor that Hegseth has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and warrants impeachment, removal from office, and disqualification from any office of honor, trust or profit.

> Peter Brian Hegseth thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States.
## Why now: midterm losses
The impeachment push follows Democrats sweeping to majorities in both the House and Senate during last week's midterm elections.
## Rare but not unprecedented
Congress can impeach Cabinet secretaries, though it is highly unusual.The last Cabinet secretary impeached was Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in two thousand twenty-four.Before Mayorkas, Secretary of War William Belknap was impeached in eighteen seventy-six.
## Republicans hold razor-thin majority
Republicans hold a two hundred eighteen to two hundred fourteen majority in the House, meaning only a handful of Republican defections could result in Hegseth's impeachment.House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.
## Hegseth prepares for fight
Hegseth put out a video last week defending his actions atop the Pentagon, and the department has led a media campaign to Stand.Fight.Defend the Republic.President Donald Trump has also stood by Hegseth.
## Key takeaway

Rep. Thomas Massie introduced eight impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over war powers violations, extrajudicial killings and suppressing free speech, triggering a House vote this week.