US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing a potential impeachment vote in the House of Representatives this week following accusations that he abused his government powers and authorised military action against Iran without congressional approval.
The impeachment effort was initiated by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Monday, November 9. The resolution has intensified political divisions within President Donald Trump’s administration, particularly over the ongoing Iran conflict and the Pentagon’s relationship with Congress.
Although Republicans still control the House, congressional sources indicate that the impeachment resolution could secure enough support to pass. However, removing Hegseth from office would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 of the 100 seats.
Why Is Pete Hegseth Facing Impeachment?
Massie’s impeachment resolution accuses Hegseth of committing high crimes and misdemeanours through several alleged abuses of power.
Among the central allegations is that the defence secretary pursued military action against Iran without obtaining the necessary congressional authorisation, raising constitutional questions about the president’s authority to engage the United States in military conflicts.
The eight articles also include accusations involving violations of the free speech rights of Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona.
Last year, Hegseth sought to prosecute Kelly after the senator and five other Democratic lawmakers with military and intelligence backgrounds urged American troops to refuse unlawful military orders.
Hegseth accused the lawmakers of sedition, an allegation that attracted further controversy after Trump suggested on social media that such conduct was punishable by death.
Massie argued that Congress must properly debate the allegations rather than allow Republican leadership to prevent a substantive vote through procedural measures.
He warned that attempts to dismiss the resolution without considering its allegations would undermine congressional accountability.
Trump Defends Hegseth and Attacks Impeachment Effort
President Donald Trump has strongly defended his defence secretary, dismissing the impeachment campaign and pointing to the military’s operations in Iran and Venezuela.
Speaking to Reuters on Monday, Trump questioned why Hegseth should face impeachment, arguing that the US military had achieved significant results under his leadership.
“Well, he won two wars. I don’t know how you can impeach him,” Trump said.
During a subsequent White House press conference, Trump maintained his support for Hegseth, saying he would stand by him even if the House approved the impeachment resolution.
He also criticised Massie, describing the Republican congressman as a “stone-cold loser.”
Trump’s defence comes as the administration faces increasing political pressure over the Iran conflict, which has reached an impasse.
Hegseth Rejects Impeachment Threat
Despite the growing pressure, Hegseth has indicated that he has no intention of stepping down.
The defence secretary launched a public campaign defending his leadership, using social media to reject the impeachment effort and portray it as politically motivated.
In a video message last week, he compared the situation to Trump’s previous impeachment proceedings, arguing that the attempts to remove the president had failed and that the same outcome would apply to him.
Asked on Monday whether he had sufficient Republican support to defeat the impeachment effort, Hegseth said: “We’re not worried about that.”
He also announced plans to address reporters at the Pentagon on Tuesday, marking his first press conference at the military headquarters since May.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as White House national security adviser, has backed Hegseth, describing the impeachment campaign as unfair.
Rubio said he believed the defence secretary had performed well in his position.
Mike Johnson Opposes Impeachment During Military Conflict
The impeachment effort has also exposed divisions among Republican lawmakers, particularly over the timing of the proposed proceedings.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has opposed the initiative, arguing that attempting to impeach the defence secretary while the United States remains involved in military hostilities could send the wrong message internationally.
Johnson described the move as a terrible development for American allies and adversaries to witness during an ongoing conflict.
However, the political pressure has increased following last week’s midterm elections, in which Democrats secured control of Congress.
Voter dissatisfaction with the Iran war reportedly contributed to the Democrats’ electoral gains, further complicating the Republican Party’s position on the conflict.
Vice President JD Vance has also publicly questioned aspects of the war, while Hegseth has defended the military campaign as courageous and historic.
Democrats Prepare Further Investigations
Democratic lawmakers have indicated that the impeachment resolution could be followed by broader investigations into Hegseth’s leadership when they assume control of the House on January 3.
Their proposed investigations include the dismissal of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other senior military officials.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has expressed strong support for impeaching Hegseth, describing himself as firmly in favour of the measure.
Meanwhile, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who is expected to become majority leader, has called for the Senate to put Hegseth on trial.
Schumer accused the defence secretary of conducting the Iran war illegally and disregarding the Constitution and multiple War Powers Resolutions passed by Congress to end the fighting.
Massie has also warned that the impeachment effort represents a relatively limited challenge compared with the investigations Hegseth could face once Democrats take control of the House.
He urged Trump to replace the defence secretary while Republicans still have the opportunity to secure Senate confirmation for a successor.
Historical Comparison: The Last US War Secretary to Face Impeachment
The impeachment campaign has drawn comparisons with William Belknap, who served as US secretary of war in 1876.
Belknap remains the only civilian leader of the American military to have been impeached by Congress.
He faced accusations of accepting substantial kickbacks and resigned shortly before his scheduled impeachment vote.
According to the Senate’s historical account, Belknap broke down in tears after submitting his resignation to President Ulysses S. Grant.
However, the House proceeded with impeachment despite his departure from office. The Senate subsequently acquitted him after failing to secure the two-thirds majority required for conviction.
Hegseth, unlike Belknap, has indicated that he intends to remain in office and challenge the allegations.
Could the Impeachment Threat Affect US Defence Spending?
Beyond the immediate political consequences, the controversy could complicate the Trump administration’s efforts to secure congressional support for a proposed $1.5 trillion defence spending package.
Some Republican lawmakers are concerned that Hegseth’s increasingly strained relationship with Congress could undermine negotiations over military funding and other defence priorities.
The proposed spending package is particularly significant as the administration seeks to maintain military readiness amid ongoing international tensions.
An extended confrontation between Hegseth and lawmakers could therefore create additional challenges for the Pentagon’s relationship with Congress.
What Happens Next?
The House of Representatives is expected to consider the impeachment resolution this week, although Republican leadership could attempt to block a direct vote through procedural measures.
If the articles of impeachment pass, the process would move to the Senate, where conviction would require a two-thirds majority.
Given the Republican majority in the upper chamber, Hegseth’s removal appears unlikely at this stage.
Nevertheless, the impeachment effort represents a significant political challenge for the defence secretary, particularly as Democrats prepare to assume control of the House in January.
With investigations, military spending negotiations and disagreements over the Iran war continuing, Hegseth’s political future could remain uncertain even if he survives the immediate impeachment vote.
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