Republican Lawmaker Files Articles of Impeachment Against Defense Secretary Hegseth

WASHINGTON, Nov 10 (OPA) — Republican Congressman Thomas Massie submitted eight articles of impeachment on Monday, accusing US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of abusing his powers and waging an illegal war on Iran. Massie utilized a privileged parliamentary procedure that forces the House of Representatives to consider the resolution within two days. A vote could occur as early as Wednesday in the Republican-controlled chamber, where defections from disgruntled lawmakers could combine with Democratic votes to pass the measures.

Massie stated on the House floor that Hegseth knowingly executed unlawful orders by initiating military operations without congressional authorization. The articles of impeachment explicitly cite an early war strike on a school that resulted in the deaths of 120 children. President Donald Trump maintained his unwavering support for his defense chief, asserting on Monday that Hegseth has done a good job and secured military victories in both Iran and Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

The impeachment push follows a drastic midterm electoral defeat for the Republican party, which has exposed internal party fractures and increased the likelihood of abstentions or crossover votes. While an impeachment vote in the House represents a significant political blow to the administration, actual removal from office remains a steep hurdle. Conviction requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate, a threshold that will remain difficult to clear even after Democrats assume control of the chamber on January 3.

Political analysts note that the rapid escalation underscores mounting congressional friction over executive war powers and military oversight. The legislative showdown places vulnerable lawmakers in a difficult position as the fallout from the midterm elections reverberates through Capitol Hill. Hegseth faces intense scrutiny from both sides of the aisle as the House prepares for the impending floor vote.