Republican congressman launches impeachment bid against Pentagon chief Hegseth

Republican congressman Thomas Massie has introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of waging war in Iran without congressional approval and abusing his office. The move could force a House vote as early as Wednesday and tests Republican support for Hegseth after the party’s heavy midterm losses.

The charges also cite alleged misconduct involving civilian casualties and US operations in Yemen and Venezuela; the Pentagon rejects them, while Hegseth has called the effort a sham. Impeachment requires a simple majority in the House, but removing Hegseth would require conviction by two-thirds of senators, even after Democrats take control of the chamber in January. President Donald Trump has defended Hegseth, and some Republicans have yet to decide how they will vote.