Massie Triggers Impeachment Vote
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky moved Monday to force a House vote on articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, setting up a potential floor showdown as soon as Wednesday. The maneuver, confirmed by Massie to MS NOW, comes as Congress returns for a lame-duck session and Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers in January following last week’s midterm elections.
“That’s the plan,” Massie said when asked whether he would trigger his impeachment resolution on Monday. Once triggered, House GOP leadership must act on the resolution within two legislative days, meaning a vote could occur by Wednesday or Thursday. Leadership can either bring the resolution to the floor, move to table it, or refer it back to committee—all of which would require majority votes.
Massie, a vocal critic of Hegseth and the war with Iran, initially introduced articles of impeachment in September, but Republican leaders canceled planned votes and recessed the chamber early, pushing the issue past the election. He is expected to introduce updated articles on Monday to comply with parliamentary procedure, restarting the two-day clock.
Jeffries Declares ‘Hard Yes’
The push received a significant boost Sunday when House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is poised to become the first Black speaker of the House in January, said he is a “hard yes” on the impeachment resolution. “The so-called secretary of defense has abused his power, undermined our national security and engineered this reckless and costly war of choice in Iran, which has skyrocketed prices on the American people and made the country less safe,” Jeffries said on ABC’s “This Week.” “Pete Hegseth has got to go.”
Jeffries’ endorsement signals how other House Democrats may vote and underscores the party’s willingness to act on threats to oust Hegseth after reclaiming both chambers. Asked whether all House Democrats would support the measure, Jeffries said they would “have that conversation Tuesday morning.”
The Articles of Impeachment
Massie’s 34-page resolution contains eight articles accusing Hegseth of high crimes and misdemeanors. Three articles focus on abusing the powers of the Department of Defense by waging war against Iran without congressional authorization. Massie also alleges that Hegseth ignored laws designed to minimize civilian casualties, citing a strike on an Iranian school earlier this year. Other articles point to Pentagon boat strikes in the Caribbean, the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and the Pentagon’s scrutiny of Sen. Mark Kelly after he and other lawmakers released a video urging service members to “refuse illegal orders.”
Massie argued that Hegseth “has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law.” The resolution concludes that Hegseth “warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States.”
Hegseth has dismissed the effort, calling Massie a “disgruntled, defeated congressman” in a video posted on X last week. “A disgruntled, defeated congressman, along with all his Democrat allies, has also dropped sham articles of impeachment against yours truly, just like they tried against President Trump twice,” Hegseth said. “It’s all about the politics of personal destruction.” Massie lost his primary earlier this year and is leaving Congress.
Why It Matters: A Test for Both Parties
The impeachment drive tests how far lawmakers are willing to go to oust Hegseth after voters delivered low marks to the administration’s handling of the Iran war, a factor that helped Democrats win back Congress. The midterm results were partially driven by widespread dissatisfaction over the conflict and its impact on the cost of living. President Trump, who has publicly doubled down on his support for Hegseth, told reporters, “I think he’s doing a fantastic job.” But NBC News reported last week that Trump has privately told allies he was considering replacing Hegseth—a claim the president has publicly denied.
For Republicans, the vote presents a dilemma: defending an embattled secretary whose handling of the war has become a political liability, or breaking with the White House. For Democrats, it is an early opportunity to demonstrate they will use their incoming majorities to hold the administration accountable. The move also comes as Democrats prepare for broader oversight and potential impeachment efforts against other officials—and possibly Trump himself. As our analysis of what impeachment means as Democrats win Congress explains, the Hegseth case could set precedents for how a divided government pursues removals.
A Lame-Duck Showdown
The timing is notable: the vote would occur in a lame-duck session before Democrats formally take control. House GOP leadership has not indicated how it will handle the resolution. If leadership moves to table it, a majority vote would be needed—and with Democrats united and some Republicans frustrated with Hegseth, the outcome is uncertain. The House is back in session this week, and the resolution is expected to be filed early this week, with a vote to follow.
Hegseth’s Defense and the Broader War Debate
Hegseth and his advisers have said they expected Massie’s move and believe they have a solid defense. According to a source with direct knowledge of their thinking, they argue that “Hegseth carried out the lawful and well informed decision by the president” in every case. The secretary’s allies contend that the impeachment effort is political theater driven by opponents of the administration’s foreign policy.
But the allegations go beyond policy disagreements. The articles accuse Hegseth of exceeding his legal authority by launching military actions without congressional approval, and of failing to uphold laws protecting civilians. The strike on an Iranian school, in particular, has drawn bipartisan concern. The Pentagon’s scrutiny of Sen. Kelly—who is a former astronaut and Navy captain—has also raised questions about retaliation against critics. These charges could resonate with lawmakers who have grown weary of the war’s costs and conduct.
What Happens Next
The immediate question is whether House GOP leaders will allow a vote or try to sidestep it. If the resolution reaches the floor, it would need a simple majority to pass. With Democrats poised to control the chamber in January, the vote could be a preview of the coming legislative dynamic. If the House impeaches Hegseth, the Senate would hold a trial, where a two-thirds majority would be required to convict and remove him. Democrats will hold a Senate majority next year, but reaching 67 votes would still require significant Republican support.
Regardless of the outcome, the move ensures that Hegseth’s tenure and the Iran war will remain in the spotlight. For Democrats, it is a chance to deliver on campaign promises and signal a new era of accountability. For Republicans, it is a moment to decide whether loyalty to the president outweighs concerns about a secretary who has become a flashpoint. As our report on what impeachment means for Trump notes, the Hegseth fight is likely just the opening round in a broader struggle over the direction of the administration.
A Defining Vote
With the midterms over and a new Congress approaching, the Hegseth impeachment vote will be an early test of the political landscape. Massie’s maneuver forces both parties to take a stand—and could shape how the incoming Democratic majority wields its power. For now, all eyes are on the House floor, where a vote could come as soon as Wednesday.
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