Massie Tries to Get His Last Licks In, Files Articles of Impeachment Against Hegseth
By Easton Martin
With his time in Congress coming to an end, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) is making one final attempt to undermine the Trump administration. Massie reintroduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, setting up a potential House vote within the next two days.
The Kentucky congressman has become one of President Trump’s most persistent Republican adversaries. After losing his Republican primary earlier this year to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein, Massie now faces little political consequence for his remaining time in Washington. His latest impeachment effort appears to be one more opportunity to challenge an administration he has repeatedly opposed.
The eight articles largely center on the administration’s military operations in Iran, with Massie accusing Hegseth of conducting military action without congressional authorization.
Other allegations concern civilian casualties, military strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels, the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and the Pentagon’s treatment of Sen. Mark Kelly following his public comments about military orders. Massie also accuses Hegseth of violating federal law during military operations in Yemen.
Hegseth has dismissed the impeachment effort as politically motivated, describing the charges as sham articles of impeachment. He has also made clear that the Pentagon is not concerned about Massie’s latest attempt to force his removal.
The timing is particularly notable. Republicans suffered significant losses in last week’s midterm elections, leaving the administration facing an increasingly difficult political environment. Democrats are expected to take control of both chambers of Congress in January, making the remaining weeks of the current Republican majority especially important.
Massie’s resolution could force House leadership to schedule a vote by Wednesday evening. Republicans could also refer the measure to the House Judiciary Committee or vote to table it. Even if the House approves impeachment, removing Hegseth would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate, making his actual removal highly unlikely.
