United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faces an impeachment initiative driven from within the Republican Party itself and backed by the Democratic leadership. Kentucky congressman Thomas Massie has submitted this Monday, November 9, eight articles of impeachment to seek his removal, with the war in Iran among the main reasons.
The move comes after the elections of November 3 and the Republican defeat. But the new Democratic majority has not yet taken office: the first parliamentary battle will be fought in the outgoing Congress, where Republicans retain control.
Jeffries backs the initiative of a Republican critical of Trump
Hakeem Jeffries, leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives, announced his support for the initiative on Sunday. "A resounding yes," he replied when asked about the possibility of pushing for impeachment against the head of the Pentagon, according to El País.
The formal promoter is Massie, a Republican opposed to U.S. military interventions abroad. His decision forces his party to face a vote on a member of the Government whom Trump continues to defend.
The congressman will not renew his seat in the legislature that begins in January. He had warned that Hegseth’s voluntary resignation was the way to stop his initiative.
What Massie accuses the Secretary of Defense of
The statement published by Massie’s office organizes the accusation into eight articles. Three question the legality of the war in Iran due to the absence of Congressional authorization, the continuation of operations despite parliamentary instructions, and the failure to meet the deadlines set in the legislation on war powers.
The other charges denounce actions contrary to the rules for the protection of civilians, extrajudicial executions in operations against alleged drug traffickers, retaliation against Senator Mark Kelly, the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, and the military intervention in Yemen.
These are accusations formulated by Massie to support the resolution. Its submission does not amount to a conviction nor does it, by itself, prove the violations he attributes to the Secretary of Defense.
What is missing for impeachment to remove Hegseth
The House of Representatives must approve the articles of impeachment by simple majority. If it does, the procedure moves to the Senate, which holds the impeachment trial. To convict and remove the person responsible, the favorable vote of two-thirds of the senators present is required.
Therefore, introducing a resolution, approving the impeachment, and removing the secretary are distinct steps. Hegseth remains in office and there is not yet a decision from the Senate on these charges.
The Republican leadership may also try to block the attempt by means of a motion to set aside the resolution. According to ABC News, that vote would also require a simple majority.
The September attempt and Trump’s defense
Massie had already promoted an initiative against Hegseth in September. The Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, advanced the recess before the elections and avoided the vote then. The return of the members of Congress to Washington allows the Kentucky representative to resume the offensive.
Trump has reiterated his support for the Secretary of Defense. On Sunday, he defended his military actions and presented the operations as victories, in the face of criticism over their consequences and over the lack of parliamentary authorization that Massie denounces.
The vote could take place this week, even on Wednesday, according to information from El País. The outgoing Congress has a few weeks before the January changeover, while it remains to be seen whether the resolution will gather the necessary support to move forward to the Senate.