US Republican lawmaker seeks Hegseth's impeachment over Iran - Reuters

Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky filed articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on September 15, accusing the secretary of abusing his office by carrying out an order for hostilities against Iran without prior approval from Congress. The filing alleges that Hegseth acted unilaterally in executing the operation, which Massie says violates the constitutional role of the legislative branch in authorizing the use of military force.

Massie submitted the articles as a privileged resolution, meaning the House must consider them within two legislative days. While the measure is expected to face little chance of passage, its introduction could compel a vote in the chamber, creating a potential dilemma for other Republicans who are preparing to leave Washington ahead of the November midterm elections.

The Pentagon responded through press secretary Kingsley Wilson, stating that “the entire Department is unified behind the Secretary’s vision and will continue working to put our warfighters and America first.” No comment was provided on the specific allegations of congressional bypass.

The impeachment effort follows a broader political backdrop for Massie, who is not seeking reelection after losing his primary in May. He was defeated by Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL who received strong backing from former President Donald Trump and substantial spending from pro‑Israel groups. Massie’s loss came after he angered Trump by leading a push to release Justice Department files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Massie has been an outspoken critic of the United States’ involvement in the conflict with Iran and of additional aid to Israel. He has repeatedly questioned the strategic rationale for the war that began with coordinated strikes on February 28 by U.S. and Israeli forces, a campaign that recent polls indicate is unpopular among the American public.

The impeachment filing underscores ongoing tensions between the executive branch’s conduct of foreign‑policy operations and congressional oversight, a debate that is likely to intensify as the midterm elections approach.