Republican lawmaker moves to impeach Defence Secretary Hegseth over Iran war

A Republican lawmaker has initiated impeachment proceedings against US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Iran war, setting up a potentially explosive House vote within two legislative days. The move follows Democrats' Midterm election gains fueled by anger over the conflict and fuel prices. Representative Thomas Massie, who lost his primary to a Trump-backed candidate, is using a special procedure to force consideration of his resolution. The articles accuse Hegseth of violating the 1973 War Powers Resolution and allege misconduct involving civilian casualties in Yemen and Venezuela, though the Pentagon has rejected the accusations. Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries, expected to become Speaker in January, has endorsed impeachment, while several Republicans remain undecided. The House can impeach by simple majority, but Senate conviction requires two-thirds support, a threshold Democrats would likely miss. Only two Cabinet secretaries have been impeached in US history, neither removed.