Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has submitted eight articles of impeachment against US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of abusing his powers and illegally waging war on Iran. Massie also cited a school attack during the early days of the conflict where a US strike resulted in the deaths of 120 children.
Speaking on the House floor, Massie stated that Hegseth had "knowingly executed and implemented unlawful orders" by conducting a war without congressional approval. The move comes days after US President Donald Trump's party suffered a drastic midterm defeat.
Massie is utilising a special procedure that mandates the House to consider his resolution within two days. This could lead to a vote as early as Wednesday in the Republican-controlled House, with several lawmakers potentially crossing party lines to join Democrats in supporting the charges.
Despite the potential for a humiliating blow to the administration, Trump maintained his support for Hegseth on Monday. The US President stated he would stand by Hegseth if impeached and praised him for doing a "good job" while winning wars in Iran and Venezuela, the latter referencing the illegal capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
An impeachment vote does not guarantee immediate removal from office, as a conviction requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate. This hurdle remains difficult even after Democrats assume control of the Senate on 3 January. Meanwhile, recent election losses have caused internal party divisions, which could lead some Republicans to abstain and thus lower the threshold for the resolution to pass.
Source: Euronews. Read the original report ↗