Reporter’s Notebook: How midterms may change the House impeachment equation for Hegseth

Representative Thomas Massie plans to reintroduce articles of impeachment against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth next week, after an earlier attempt expired when the House adjourned ahead of schedule. The renewed effort could test whether post-election Republican discontent and absences have shifted the votes enough for the House to impeach him.

All Democrats are expected to support impeachment, while some Republicans have privately signalled interest; the article links growing criticism of Hegseth and the Iran war to the Republicans’ election losses. The House needs a simple majority to impeach, and the Senate could dismiss the case by a simple majority without holding a full trial; conviction and removal would require two-thirds. The article also considers whether a future Democratic-controlled Senate would prioritise a trial.