Republican Lawmaker Seeks Impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Over Iran War

WASHINGTON: Republican U.S. Representative Thomas Massie has launched an effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of exceeding his constitutional authority by directing military hostilities against Iran without approval from Congress.

Massie, a Kentucky Republican and prominent critic of the U.S. military campaign in Iran, introduced the impeachment articles in the House on September 15. He filed the measure as a privileged resolution, a procedural designation that requires the House to consider it within two legislative days.

The effort faces significant opposition in the Republican controlled House, but the privileged status of the resolution could require lawmakers to take a position on the allegations.

Massie argues that Hegseth abused the authority of his office by carrying out military operations against Iran without congressional authorization. The resolution contains eight articles of impeachment covering allegations related to the Iran conflict and other actions involving the Defense Department.

The Pentagon has defended Hegseth. Press secretary Kingsley Wilson said the department remains united behind the defense secretary and will continue focusing on American service members and national security.

Massie’s move comes amid a broader dispute in Washington over Congress’s constitutional role in authorizing military action. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 places limits on the executive branch’s ability to maintain U.S. forces in hostilities without congressional authorization.

The Iran conflict began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on February 28. The Trump administration has continued military operations despite repeated congressional efforts to increase legislative oversight of the campaign. President Donald Trump has argued that congressional authorization is not required for the military action, while critics have challenged that position.

Massie has repeatedly opposed the war and has also criticized U.S. military involvement overseas. His position has put him at odds with Trump and other Republican leaders.

The Kentucky congressman is not seeking reelection after losing the Republican primary in May to Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL who was backed by Trump. Massie’s opposition to the administration has been a recurring source of conflict, including his efforts to force the release of Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

The impeachment effort arrives shortly before the November 3 congressional elections, when Republicans will defend their majorities in the House and Senate. A forced vote could require Republican lawmakers to publicly take a position on the allegations against a senior member of Trump’s administration.

The political dispute is unfolding as the war continues to affect energy markets and the wider U.S. economy. Disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to higher energy prices, while the financial cost of the military campaign has also become a growing issue in Washington.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the U.S. war with Iran had cost approximately $38 billion through August 1, with costs projected to increase by about $3 billion per month if military operations continue.

Public opinion has also become part of the political debate surrounding the conflict. A Reuters/Ipsos survey cited in the original report showed Democrats ahead of Republicans, 44 percent to 37 percent, on the preferred party for congressional voting.

For Massie, the impeachment resolution provides a formal avenue to challenge what he describes as an improper use of military authority. For the Pentagon, Hegseth continues to have the department’s support.

The House will determine how the impeachment resolution proceeds under its rules. The measure itself does not remove Hegseth from office. Any impeachment process would require further action by Congress before the defense secretary could face removal.

The dispute therefore places congressional authority, presidential war powers and the administration’s military strategy toward Iran at the centre of a new political confrontation in Washington.

Courtesy: ctvnews