Pete Hegseth Faces Impeachment Vote Over Iran War
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faces a possible impeachment vote in the House of Representatives this week, with Republican leaders reportedly anticipating defections within their party. The development follows the Republicans’ significant losses in the November 3 midterm elections and growing criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of the Iran war.
Republican Lawmakers Consider Pete Hegseth Impeachment
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky plans to force a House vote on articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of defying Congress and unlawfully continuing US military operations against Iran.
Massie introduced the resolution in September, but House Republican leaders avoided a vote before the midterm elections.
Following the electoral setbacks, several Republicans have reportedly become more willing to support impeachment. Retiring Congressman Don Bacon acknowledged declining support for Hegseth within Congress but said he remained undecided.
Iran War Fuels Republican Divisions After Midterms
The impeachment effort reflects mounting disagreements among Republicans over the Iran conflict and its political consequences.
Some lawmakers have criticised Hegseth’s public statements and questioned the administration’s justification for military operations.
President Donald Trump, however, defended Hegseth last week and indicated that he intended to retain him as Defence Secretary.
Reports also suggest that some administration officials favour replacing Hegseth, although no formal decision has been announced.
Pentagon Rejects Allegations Against Hegseth
Hegseth dismissed the impeachment proceedings as politically motivated and rejected Massie’s accusations.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell maintained that the department had operated within the law and that Hegseth remained committed to leading the military.
Even if the House approves impeachment, removing Hegseth from office would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate.
The incoming Democratic majority could also pursue congressional investigations when the new Congress takes office in January 2027.
