US Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has given Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth an ultimatum, saying he will not reintroduce articles of impeachment against him if he resigns, as pressure mounts on the Pentagon chief following the Republican Party’s losses in the November 3 midterm elections.
The impeachment push comes as Hegseth faces questions about his position in the Trump administration following the Republican Party’s midterm losses.
The administration has faced criticism over its handling of the Iran war, with some Republicans questioning the military strategy and its political consequences. The Pentagon has also defended Hegseth.
President Donald Trump publicly defended his defense secretary on November 4, saying Hegseth was doing a “very good job” despite growing speculation about his political future. Its spokesperson said the defense secretary remained committed to leading the department through the end of Trump’s term.
In its November 4 report, CNN said Massie planned to trigger a House vote on impeaching Hegseth when Congress returns next week. Massie read the 34-page resolution on the House floor on September 15, outlining allegations involving the administration’s military operations, civilian casualties and the handling of the Iran conflict, according to ABC News. Massie’s latest statement makes clear that he intends to proceed with the impeachment effort unless Hegseth leaves office. The development comes as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress, while some Republicans have also raised questions about the defense secretary’s leadership and the administration’s handling of the war with Iran.
The report, citing multiple Republican sources, said lawmakers expected the measure to pass.
