GOP lawmaker files impeachment articles against Hegseth; Trump defends him

Republican Representative Thomas Massie has filed articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with a House vote possible this week. President Donald Trump defended Hegseth, calling Massie a "loser" and citing the secretary's wartime record. The eight articles accuse Hegseth of "high crimes and misdemeanors," including launching a war against Iran without congressional approval and causing civilian deaths in Caribbean naval operations. He also faces allegations of retaliation against Senator Mark Kelly and involvement in the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. House approval requires only a simple majority, and sources suggest it may pass, though Senate conviction is considered unlikely. Trump has continued backing Hegseth publicly, while also questioning the midterm election's integrity and vowing never to forgive his political enemies.