Massie Says Hegseth Must Resign or Face Impeachment Vote

Massie, a Kentucky Republican, wrote that he would not reintroduce his impeachment articles only if Hegseth stepped down. He unveiled eight articles against the secretary in September. They accuse Hegseth of extrajudicial killings, waging wars without congressional authorization and kidnapping a sovereign foreign leader. It remains unclear whether the articles have enough Republican support to pass in the lame-duck House, where the GOP holds a narrow majority.

CNN reported that Republican lawmakers and allies are increasingly blaming Hegseth for the election results, saying privately that he helped persuade President Donald Trump to attack Iran without an exit strategy or a plan for the political fallout. Democrats won control of the House and Senate beginning in January, according to the source article.

Trump said Wednesday he had “every intention to keep” Hegseth in his post, despite threatening to escalate the Iran assault after the elections. NBC News reported that Trump had told allies he was considering replacing him. Hegseth has praised the “death and destruction” caused by US military action in Iran, where the source says American bombs have killed thousands, including many children.

The impeachment push comes as reports circulate that Hegseth may seek the Senate seat that Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is expected to vacate after winning Tennessee’s gubernatorial election. Puck reported last month that Hegseth had been angling for Blackburn to appoint him; a spokesperson for Hegseth denied the report.

Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups have backed impeachment. Free Speech For People and two other national groups endorsed Massie’s articles last week. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), the only Iranian American Democrat in Congress, filed separate articles in April, accusing Hegseth of targeting civilians in Iran and other abuses. On Wednesday, she wrote, “Impeach Pete Hegseth.”