Massie to Push Hegseth Impeachment Vote After Midterm Losses
A Kentucky Republican plans to introduce the resolution immediately upon the return of Congress, following a split in the party over the Iran strategy.
By Harper Collins ·
Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky intends to introduce a vote to impeach Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as soon as the House convenes next week. The Kentucky Republican, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, stated that he will launch the removal procedure immediately upon lawmakers' return to Washington. Several Republican sources told CNN that they anticipate the House will approve the initiative.
The move follows the Republican Party's defeat in the mid-term congressional elections held on November 3, 2026. According to CNN, the election losses are accelerating efforts to shift responsibility for the war in Iran to Hegseth. Lawmakers are claiming behind the scenes that Hegseth played the key role in convincing the president to attack Iran without an exit strategy. They also allege he failed to formulate a plan for managing the consequences of the conflict.
Republicans described Hegseth as an active proponent of the war who overestimated the US ability to win the conflict quickly. Critics accuse the secretary of advocating for continued escalation despite a lack of signs that prolonged bombardments have brought Iran closer to capitulation. The strategy has become a focal point for those seeking to explain the party's poor showing on November 3.
Sean Parnell, the chief spokesperson for the Pentagon, responded to the expected motion. In a statement, Parnell noted that Hegseth will not back down or be deterred by politicians seeking to score partisan points. He added that the department will not tolerate phony investigations where no wrongdoing exists.
The impeachment process requires a majority vote in the House to proceed. A final removal from office requires a vote in the Senate, where two-thirds of senators must vote in favor of the decision. The current balance of power in the upper chamber remains a key factor in whether the effort succeeds.
President Trump addressed the potential dismissal of his defense chief on November 4. Telling reporters, Trump said he was not considering replacing Hegseth. This comment followed media reports revealing that the president had asked advisers, both in person and by phone, whether Hegseth should remain in his post after the Republican defeat.
The timing of Massie's announcement aligns with the immediate resumption of legislative work. The proposed vote will test the cohesion of the Republican majority in the lower chamber as they navigate the aftermath of the November 3 election results.
