Rep. Thomas Massie renewed his push Monday to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, reviving eight articles against President Donald Trump’s Pentagon chief and setting up a potential showdown in the Republican-controlled House.
The Kentucky Republican announced he was moving to force House action on allegations involving the Iran war, other military operations and retaliation against a political critic.
Hegseth brushed off the threat.
“We’re not worried about that,” he told reporters Monday when asked whether he had enough Republican support to defeat the impeachment effort.
Massie’s case centers on allegations that Hegseth violated congressional war powers. Three articles accuse him of directing or continuing military operations against Iran without the required authorization, including beyond statutory deadlines for ending unauthorized hostilities.
The remaining articles concern civilian casualty protections, lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers, alleged retaliation against Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and military operations in Yemen.
The accusations represent Massie’s case for impeachment, not findings approved by the House.
Massie first introduced the eight articles in September. That effort stalled when Speaker Mike Johnson ended the House’s pre-election session early, preventing a vote before lawmakers left Washington.
The renewed effort could put the issue before lawmakers within days.
LIVE now on C-SPAN: Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduces resolution to impeach Defense Secy. Pete Hegseth https://t.co/2JkVJv0zqX https://t.co/yBBi35ljqU
— CSPAN (@cspan) November 9, 2026
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Under House rules, a qualifying resolution raising a question of privilege must be scheduled within two legislative days after a member gives the required floor notice. Republican leaders could move to table the resolution, allowing lawmakers to dispose of it without voting directly on the impeachment articles.
The fight comes as Republicans return to Washington following midterm losses that handed Democrats control of the next Congress. The GOP retains control during the remaining weeks of the current session.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has endorsed the impeachment effort, increasing pressure on Republicans who could determine whether it advances.
Massie is also urging Trump to replace Hegseth before the new Congress takes office.
“President Trump should replace Secretary Hegseth now while he can still get a replacement confirmed in the Senate,” Massie said in his announcement.
Hegseth has signaled he intends to defend his record. He announced a Tuesday news conference to address the impeachment threat and said he was prepared to argue the administration’s case for its military actions.
Passage in the House would require a simple majority and would formally impeach Hegseth. Removing him from office would require a separate Senate conviction supported by two-thirds of senators present.
