Hegseth impeachment push faces long odds despite Republican losses

A new impeachment resolution against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been filed by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, citing alleged unlawful warfare in the Iran conflict and other military operations. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his support for Hegseth despite the challenge. Massie, a known intra-party critic of Trump, accuses Hegseth of disregarding laws aimed at preventing civilian casualties and of ordering killings of alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific without legal basis. The resolution is considered largely symbolic, as Republicans retain majorities in both chambers until the new Congress convenes. The House must vote on the resolution by Wednesday due to its urgent filing, but success is unlikely given Republican control and Trump's veto power. Democrats, who won the midterms, will take over Congress in early 2027, and the Iran war's economic impact is seen as a key factor in Republican losses.