Hegseth calls impeachment push a sham after Massie vows to return articles
The War Secretary’s response follows the loss of Kentucky’s Thomas Massie in the Republican primary and a failed vote in September.
By Aiko Nakamura ·
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth labeled recent moves to impeach him a "sham" in a video posted on X. He described the effort as orchestrated by a "disgruntled, defeated congressman" and his Democratic allies.
The comments followed an announcement from Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie. Massie plans to introduce articles of impeachment against Hegseth when lawmakers return to Washington. He stated he would not proceed with the articles if Hegseth resigns.
Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment in September. The House did not vote on them because Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the chamber early ahead of the midterm elections. Massie, who lost his primary earlier this year, is a vocal critic of President Donald Trump. He blames Hegseth for the unpopular war in Iran. Some Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance, have cited that conflict as a reason for the party's midterm losses.
The effort is expected to draw support from several Democrats and some Republicans. Al-Monitor reports that these lawmakers have lost confidence in Hegseth's handling of the Iran war. The process requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate to convict and remove a public official from office. That threshold has never been met for a Cabinet member.
President Trump expressed support for Hegseth. He stated that the Secretary is doing a "very good job" and dismissed reports of considering his removal. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Hegseth is "100% committed" to his role until the end of Trump's term.
The political pressure continues despite the administration's stance. Massie intends to force a House vote on the matter upon the chamber's return. The two articles remain a central point of contention for the war hawk and the administration.
