US Congress moves to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing a major political challenge after Republican Congressman Thomas Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against him, following US President Donald Trump's devastating defeat in the November 2026 midterm elections. The impeachment initiative has intensified political tensions in Washington and exposed growing divisions within the Republican Party over the administration's military policies.

Massie, a Republican representative from Kentucky, introduced the impeachment resolution on November 9, accusing Hegseth of abusing his authority, implementing unlawful military orders, and engaging the United States in military operations without proper congressional authorization. The allegations primarily concern the Trump administration's war against Iran, along with American military operations in Yemen and Venezuela.

The impeachment initiative comes at a particularly difficult time for Trump, whose Republican Party suffered substantial losses in the midterm elections, allowing Democrats to gain control of Congress. The Iran conflict and its economic consequences have emerged as significant sources of public dissatisfaction, with critics questioning the administration's foreign policy decisions and the growing financial burden of military operations.

Massie argued that Hegseth had violated constitutional principles by authorizing military action without congressional approval. Democratic congressional leaders have also expressed support for examining the defense secretary's conduct, raising the possibility of bipartisan support for the impeachment resolution.

Hegseth, however, has strongly rejected the allegations, describing the impeachment initiative as politically motivated. He has defended the administration's military operations and maintained that confronting Iran was necessary for American national security. Trump has also publicly supported his defense secretary, criticizing the impeachment effort.

The House of Representatives is expected to consider the resolution this week. Although impeachment could seriously undermine Hegseth's political position, it would not automatically remove him from office. Conviction in the Senate would require a two-thirds majority.

The unfolding controversy represents another serious challenge for the Trump administration following its electoral setback. Political observers believe the impeachment proceedings could deepen Republican divisions and increase congressional scrutiny of presidential authority, military spending, and America's international commitments.

>>BBC