Republican lawmaker moves to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Iran war conduct

A Republican congressman initiated impeachment proceedings against U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, November 9, citing his conduct regarding the war in Iran and other alleged violations. The move faces long odds in the Senate. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky filed the resolution, accusing Hegseth of launching war against Iran without congressional authorization and ignoring laws protecting civilians in wartime. The charges specifically reference a bombing of a school in Minab, Iran, that killed 120 children, plus eight articles of impeachment including "extrajudicial executions" during strikes on drug traffickers' boats. The House could vote on impeachment this week, where it might pass due to Republican opposition and absenteeism. However, removal requires a two-thirds Senate majority, unlikely with Republicans holding 53 seats. Hegseth defends his record, while President Trump called Massie a "loser" and reaffirmed support for his defense secretary.