Thomas Massie Says He’ll Renew Impeachment Effort Against Pete Hegseth if He Remains Defense Secretary

Rep. Thomas Massie says he is prepared to bring back his impeachment effort against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after Congress returns from its midterm recess, but only if Hegseth is still in the job. Massie made the point while recounting an exchange with a reporter in a social media post. Asked whether he would reintroduce articles of impeachment when lawmakers returned to Washington, Massie said his answer was, “If he’s still SecDef.” The condition leaves the plan dependent on Hegseth’s status at the Pentagon. Massie is also preparing to leave Congress, but his post indicates he wants the effort to continue if Hegseth remains in office. Massie introduced an eight-article resolution on the House floor on September 15, reading much of the 34-page measure aloud. The first three articles allege that Hegseth violated the 1973 War Powers Resolution by initiating and continuing hostilities against Iran without congressional authorization, and by keeping U.S. forces engaged after Congress directed their removal. The remaining articles make a series of other accusations, including disregarding laws intended to limit civilian casualties, ordering extrajudicial killings in operations against suspected drug traffickers, retaliating against Sen. Mark Kelly over his speech, directing the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and launching operations in Yemen without congressional authorization. These are allegations in Massie’s resolution; they have not been adjudicated, and Hegseth has not been impeached. Massie has said the defense secretary is breaking the law and should be held accountable. The resolution was filed as privileged, which required the House to act within two legislative days. The article reports that House Republican leaders could have sought to table it, effectively ending the measure at that stage. Massie’s latest comment signals that he may seek another congressional vote if Hegseth remains in the post when lawmakers return. It does not, by itself, establish whether the House would take up the resolution or how members would vote.