Massie Files Impeachment Articles Against Hegseth, Setting Up Pre-Election Showdown for House Republicans
Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican and longtime constitutionalist, has introduced articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, accusing him of unconstitutional and illegal actions. In a statement, Massie said, “If we are to remain true to our oath to ‘support and defend the Constitution of the United States,’ Congress must not turn a blind eye to Secretary Hegseth’s unconstitutional and illegal actions.” The resolution alleges that Hegseth “will remain a threat to civilians and the laws of war, the integrity of United States diplomacy, and the Constitution if allowed to remain in office,” and that he has acted “in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law.” Massie read from the resolution on the House floor, charging that Hegseth has acted “contrary to his trust as Secretary of Defense and subversive of constitutional government, to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice, and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States of America.”nnThe move comes after Hegseth traveled to Kentucky earlier this year to campaign for Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL who ran against Massie in the Republican primary. Massie, who lost that primary after Donald Trump and Hegseth urged voters to oppose him, is now forcing his GOP colleagues into a difficult position just weeks before the November 3 midterm elections, where Republicans are defending their narrow House majority. The timing is particularly awkward: should the resolution pass, the impeachment articles would head to the Senate, where Republican leadership would have to decide whether to hold a trial for Hegseth—a cabinet secretary who has maintained Trump’s loyalty even as others, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, have been shown the door.nnMassie has previously used unanimous Democratic support and the razor-thin Republican majority to push through measures, including one that forced the release of files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. It remains unclear whether this latest effort will succeed, given the GOP’s slim margin. Nevertheless, the resolution highlights ongoing tensions within the party and raises questions about Hegseth’s conduct and the constitutional responsibilities of Congress. As Massie continues to position himself as a check on
Shimanta Das 
