Republican Lawmaker Moves to Impeach US Defense Secretary Over Iran War

Republican Representative Thomas Massie launched impeachment proceedings Monday against U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the war with Iran, accusing him of waging war without congressional authorization and abusing his powers. Massie, from Kentucky, filed eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth, including launching war without legal congressional approval. The House, still Republican-controlled, could vote on the measures as early as Wednesday, with some GOP members signaling potential support. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Hegseth in Paris, calling the effort "unfair" and praising his work. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries backed the impeachment, saying Hegseth "must go." However, conviction requires a two-thirds Senate majority, making removal unlikely despite Democrats winning both chambers in last week's midterm elections.