Would House Republicans Impeach Hegseth?

Rep. Thomas Massie forced a potential impeachment showdown over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by filing an eight-article resolution that prompted Speaker Mike Johnson to abruptly end a House session rather than allow a vote. Johnson’s move, framed as giving members more time for campaigning, effectively delayed consideration until after the midterms to avoid the political embarrassment of debating a cabinet impeachment amid an unpopular war and leaks of Pentagon turmoil. Hegseth has alienated Republicans and Democrats alike by summarily removing senior officers, failing to account for large defense expenditures, and openly championing expanded military action; polling suggests a majority of Americans would support his impeachment, so even a failed vote would damage GOP leadership and the White House.

Massie’s articles allege specific and serious violations: unauthorized use of U.S. forces in Iran, Venezuela, and Yemen; breaches of the War Powers Resolution; ordering extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific; neglecting civilian-protection duties; and retaliating against Sen. Mark Kelly in violation of First Amendment rights. Those concrete charges could be used to bolster future domestic prosecutions or international cases, including at The Hague, if Democrats regain power. Postponement reduces near-term risk to Republican lawmakers, but the charges are likely to resurface, heightening anxiety among current military managers and raising stakes should the administration escalate military action, particularly against Iran.