House to vote on Hegseth impeachment articles this week

Rep. Thomas Massie introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, forcing a House vote as early as this week. The move follows Democratic midterm election victories, with Republicans citing Hegseth's Iran war leadership as a factor. The eight articles accuse Hegseth of waging war without congressional approval, extrajudicial killings in Caribbean boat strikes targeting drug smugglers, and suppressing free speech against Sen. Mark Kelly. Massie's privileged resolution requires House action within two legislative days, though Republican leadership has not outlined its strategy. Republicans hold a narrow 218-214 House majority, so a few defections could impeach Hegseth. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries endorsed the effort, calling Hegseth an "architect" of a failed Iran war. Hegseth has defended his record, and President Trump has backed him. The last Cabinet secretary impeached was Alejandro Mayorkas in 2024.