Massie seeks House vote on eight charges against Hegseth by Wednesday

Developing story first seen 2 hours ago

The Guardian · 2 hours ago

Thomas Massie has renewed his effort to force a House vote on impeaching Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, introducing eight articles that accuse him of waging war without congressional approval and abusing his powers. A vote is due by Wednesday under House rules, setting up a political test for Hegseth amid criticism of the Iran war and its impact on Republicans.

The resolution also alleges unlawful attacks on Iran and Yemen, systematic failures to protect civilians, extrajudicial killings of suspected drug-boat crews in the Caribbean, unconstitutional actions against Senator Mark Kelly and others, and the illegal kidnapping of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro. Massie first filed articles in September, but the House recessed before they could be heard; some Republicans may back a vote, while Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has said he supports impeachment.

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In short

Massie has introduced eight impeachment articles against Hegseth.
House rules require a vote by Wednesday.
The charges include unauthorised military action and abuse of power.

How this story developed

3 minutes ago Massie’s articles now specifically cite the deaths of more than 100 children at an Iranian school alongside attacks on Iran and Yemen, suspected drug-boat killings, actions against Senator Mark Kelly and the alleged abduction of Nicolás Maduro.
12 minutes ago Massie has renewed his bid after an earlier attempt stalled during a House recess, while criticism of Hegseth’s handling of the Iran war has intensified and some Republicans may join Democrats in backing a vote.
34 minutes ago Republican Thomas Massie has filed eight articles seeking to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging unauthorised military action, abuse of power and unlawful killings, with a House vote potentially due by Wednesday.

9 Nov, 20:42Daily Mail Pete Hegseth fires back after rebel Republican forces humiliating impeachment vote as panicked GOP leaders brace for defectors to turn on Trump war chief
9 Nov, 21:08New York Times Thomas Massie Moves to Force Vote on Impeaching Pete Hegseth
9 Nov, 21:10The Guardian Massie seeks House vote on eight charges against Hegseth by Wednesday
9 Nov, 21:10DW Republican Thomas Massie seeks to force House vote on impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Iran war

Full account

Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie is seeking a House vote on eight articles of impeachment against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, with the chamber required under its rules to take up the measure by Wednesday. Massie argues that Hegseth committed serious abuses of office, including conducting military action without Congress’s authorisation. The resolution was first introduced in September, but was not considered before Speaker Mike Johnson sent lawmakers into recess.

The allegations cover US operations involving Iran and Yemen, the deaths of civilians, and strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean in which crews were allegedly left without rescue. Massie’s case also cites the treatment of the press at the Pentagon and actions concerning Senator Mark Kelly. The reports describe the resolution as 34 pages long, though they do not give a complete account of all eight charges.

Hegseth has rejected the effort, calling the articles a political attack and saying he is willing to defend his record. One report says he scheduled a press briefing for the following day, which would be his first formal media appearance in more than six months. The move comes after Republicans’ poor performance in the midterm elections, which party figures have linked to the Iran war and its effect on household costs.

The vote could test support for Hegseth across party lines. Democrats have not publicly opposed Massie’s resolution, and their numbers mean only a small group of Republicans would need to join them for it to pass. Republican lawmakers have signalled differing levels of openness: James Comer said the votes might be there, while French Hill said he wanted to hear the debate before deciding whether impeachment was warranted.

Where outlets differ

From the full account, which is AI-written from the sources:

The first report focuses on the constitutional and legal grounds in Massie’s resolution, including alleged unlawful military action and civilian deaths, and notes that Hakeem Jeffries has said he supports impeachment. The second gives more attention to the prospects for a House majority, Republican lawmakers’ positions, and Hegseth’s planned briefing.

The reports use different descriptions of the timing: the first says House rules require a vote no later than Wednesday, while the second says a vote is likely on Wednesday. The second also provides the resolution’s stated length and a party arithmetic estimate that the first does not include.

The first mentions watchdog groups’ claims that Hegseth’s earlier video may breach the Hatch Act. The second instead highlights his dispute with Massie and concerns about Pentagon press access. Neither report supplies the full text of all eight articles.