Politics
JUST IN: GOP Rep. Introduces Impeachment Articles Against Key Trump Secretary
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie took direct aim at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, introducing eight articles of impeachment accusing the Trump administration official of unlawful military actions in Iran, Venezuela and Yemen.
The Kentucky Republican formally entered the resolution on the House floor, alleging Hegseth committed “high crimes and misdemeanors” while carrying out U.S. military operations without proper congressional authorization.
The first three articles focus on the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Massie’s resolution argues that Hegseth’s department is “waging the Iran war despite no declaration of war, statutory authorization, attack on the United States, or imminent threat.”
The first article alleges “that the war was unlawful from its inception.”
The second accuses Hegseth of continuing operations after Congress acted to direct the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran.
The third alleges Hegseth is “continuing hostilities in Iran after expiration of the War Powers Resolution’s 60-day termination period and any potential 30-day withdrawal period.”
Massie also targeted Hegseth over the conduct of U.S. military operations outside Iran.
The fourth and fifth articles accuse him of failing to minimize civilian casualties and engaging in extrajudicial killings during military operations against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean.
NEW: Thomas Massie introduces Articles of Impeachment against Sec. of War Pete Hegseth. pic.twitter.com/rnPZoVvhj1
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 15, 2026
One article accuses Hegseth of “replacing maritime law enforcement with unauthorized lethal military targeting of suspected drug traffickers.”
The resolution also takes aim at the January U.S. operation that resulted in the capture and extraction of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from Caracas.
POLL: Will You Support Trump And His Candidates In The Midterms?
Massie’s seventh article accuses Hegseth of the “Kidnapping of a Sovereign Foreign Leader” and alleges the operation was carried out “without constitutional or legal authority.”
Another article centers on Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., accusing Pete Hegseth of improperly using his authority against the senator following a video in which Kelly and other lawmakers discussed the obligation of military personnel to reject unlawful orders.
The final article targets U.S. military activity in Yemen and accuses Hegseth of launching Operation Rough Rider without congressional authorization or an imminent threat to the United States.
RELATED: GOP Rep. Moves To Impeach Beloved Trump Official
That article also raises allegations involving civilian casualties, strikes on civilian objects and violations of war powers reporting requirements.
Massie spent more than an hour reading the impeachment articles on the House floor before delivering a blistering closing argument against Hegseth.
“In all of this, Secretary Hegseth abused the powers entrusted to him as Secretary of Defense by subordinating the constitutional limits on the use of military force and the laws governing the conduct of hostilities to his own policy objectives,” Massie said.
RELATED: Bizarre New Pictures Show Nicolás Maduro In US Prison
Massie also added that Hegseth “has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to civilians, the lawful conduct of United States military operations, the integrity and credibility of the United States Armed Forces and the Constitution, if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties, and the rule of law.
This, Massie said, “warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States.”
The impeachment effort marks another sharp break between Massie and the Trump administration over presidential war powers.
Massie has repeatedly challenged the administration’s military actions, particularly the Iran conflict, arguing that Congress must authorize continued U.S. involvement.
The Pentagon has defended Hegseth, while the impeachment resolution faces steep odds in the Republican-controlled House.
Still, Massie’s move puts another internal GOP dispute over war powers squarely on the House floor and forces lawmakers to confront his allegations against one of Trump’s most prominent Cabinet officials.
