US Lawmakers Move to Impeach Defense Secretary Over Iran War
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie initiated impeachment proceedings against U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, accusing him of conducting the war in Iran without congressional authorization. Massie's resolution includes eight charges, alleging Hegseth violated laws protecting civilians in wartime, particularly citing a bombing of a primary school in Minab, Iran, that killed 120 children. He also faces accusations of "extrajudicial executions" related to strikes on drug traffickers' boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. The House could vote on impeachment this week, with potential passage due to Republican opposition and absenteeism. However, Senate conviction requires a two-thirds majority, making removal unlikely with Republicans holding 53 seats. President Trump defended Hegseth, calling Massie a "loser," while Democrats lead calls for accountability amid broader scandals.