The key facts
- Thomas Massie has filed eight articles of impeachment against Pete Hegseth over military operations against Iran without congressional approval.
- A vote in the House of Representatives is planned for this week.
- Trump publicly backed Hegseth and called Massie a 'stone-cold loser'.
Impeachment of the Defense Secretary: a conflict within the Republican Party
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has initiated impeachment proceedings against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of violating the Constitution: according to the lawmaker, Hegseth ordered military action against Iran without congressional approval. According to Euronews, Massie argues that Hegseth broke the law by continuing military operations in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional authorization.
A vote this week and the initiator's motives
Massie has filed eight articles of impeachment against the head of the Pentagon and intends to force a vote in the House of Representatives this week. In his own words, the move is also meant to pressure President Donald Trump to replace Hegseth before the Democrats launch their own impeachment proceedings.
Trump's reaction
The president harshly criticized Massie, questioning his motives and calling him a 'stone-cold loser.' At the same time, according to Euronews, Trump said he would support Hegseth. The outcome of the House vote, where Republicans hold the majority, remains the main open question: the report provides no information on the position of other Republicans.
