Impeachment Drive Targets Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in September 2023. The resolution accuses Hegseth of waging war against Iran without congressional authorization, ignoring statutes intended to limit civilian casualties, authorizing extrajudicial killings in international waters, and participating in the unauthorized kidnapping of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Massie said the measure will be re-introduced in the lame-duck session after the November midterms.

Common Dreams

The push follows broader Democratic criticism of the Pentagon’s conduct of the Iran conflict, described by multiple outlets as “a disastrous war.” Reports have also surfaced that Hegseth is “angling” for the U.S. Senate seat that could open if Tennessee Gov.-elect Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) leaves the Senate. Hegseth’s residence in Tennessee since 2022 and his appearance at a University of Tennessee football game on October 17 with Blackburn and Rep. Tim Burchett have been cited as evidence of local ties.

The Independent

• Early-October polling indicated support for impeachment among about two-thirds of Democratic voters and roughly 20 % of Republican voters.

Vote on Pete Hegseth’s impeachment is on the way — and it probably won’t be the last

• Only 16 House Democrats have co-sponsored Rep. Yassamin Ansari’s (D-AZ) separate impeachment resolution, while Massie’s measure has attracted bipartisan interest.

Common Dreams

• Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson dismissed the Senate-seat speculation as “nothing more than beltway gossip,” adding the department remains focused on “peace through strength.”

The Independent

• Sean Parnell, chief spokesman for the Defense Department, reiterated the administration’s “America First” agenda and denied any plans to vacate the secretary’s post.

The Independent

• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) called for Hegseth’s removal, saying Democrats would “run him out of town” if they regain a House majority.

The Independent

• MoveOn spokesperson Joel Payne said impeachment remains a viable accountability option for the organization’s members.

HuffPost

Critics argue Hegseth’s actions in the Iran theater constitute “high crimes and misdemeanors,” citing civilian-casualty reports and the alleged kidnapping of Maduro. Democratic leaders contend the secretary’s policies have escalated fuel prices and endangered American lives. Advocacy groups such as Free Speech for People and the Removal Coalition frame the effort as a defense of constitutional norms.

Common Dreams

• Timing of a House vote: One source says Massie intends to force a vote “the week of Nov. 9,” while another notes the House recessed on Sept. 16 to avoid a pre-election vote, leaving the resolution pending for the post-election session.

Vote on Pete Hegseth’s impeachment is on the way — and it probably won’t be the last

• Motivation for a Senate seat: The Pentagon calls reports of Hegseth seeking Blackburn’s seat gossip; multiple outlets cite insider sources suggesting the move is intended to evade potential impeachment. No official confirmation from Hegseth or Blackburn has been provided.

HuffPost

• “Pete Hegseth has repeatedly demonstrated his contempt for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the fundamental rights of the American people,” — John Bonifaz, president of Free Speech for People

Common Dreams

Massie indicated the impeachment articles will be placed on the agenda during the lame-duck session after the November elections. Simultaneously, speculation continues about whether Blackburn’s gubernatorial victory will create a Senate vacancy that Hegseth might pursue. The House Oversight, Judiciary, and Armed Services committees have been mentioned as possible venues for any subsequent investigation.

The Independent