Rep. Thomas Massie Files Articles of Impeachment Against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth

<p>Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) filed eight articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on September 15, 2026, accusing him of committing “high crimes and misdemeanors” related to military operations in Iran, Yemen, the Caribbean, and the treatment of Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ).</p><p>Massie introduced the privileged resolution on the House floor, which requires the House to address it within two legislative days. With Republicans controlling the chamber, GOP leaders may choose to table the resolution instead of advancing it to an impeachment trial.</p><p>This impeachment effort marks a significant escalation in Massie's ongoing conflict with the Trump administration, which has already impacted his political career. Massie lost the Republican primary for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District in May to Ed Gallrein, a candidate supported by President Donald Trump. Hegseth campaigned for Gallrein the day before the primary.</p><p>Gallrein won the primary with 55% of the vote compared to Massie's 45%, according to the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s report. Massie has been critical of the administration throughout the year, and his impeachment resolution emphasizes his concerns regarding the handling of the Iran conflict.</p><p>The first article of impeachment claims that Hegseth initiated military action in Iran without proper authorization. The second article accuses him of ignoring congressional directives to withdraw U.S. forces from Iran, while the third alleges that he continued military actions beyond the statutory limits set by the War Powers Resolution.</p><p>Additional articles expand the accusations, including claims of failing to minimize civilian casualties and conducting extrajudicial killings in operations against drug traffickers. One article alleges retaliation against Kelly for a video in which he urged military members to refuse illegal orders, which Massie describes as an unconstitutional suppression of free speech.</p><p>Another article addresses Hegseth’s role in the operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, asserting that it lacked legal authority. The final article critiques the military campaign in Yemen, alleging that Hegseth initiated operations without congressional authorization or an imminent threat to the U.S.</p><p>“These constitutional violations extend beyond the illegal war in Iran,” Massie stated after presenting the resolution, accusing Hegseth of abusing his power. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson responded, stating that Hegseth has been a “transformative leader” and that the department is unified in support of his leadership.</p><p>This is not the first impeachment attempt against Hegseth; House Democrats previously introduced six articles in April, including allegations related to the Iran war.</p>