Massie Targets Monday for Hegseth Impeachment Vote as Trump Weighs Succession
Rep. Thomas Massie plans to reintroduce articles against the defense secretary shortly after lawmakers return to Washington, a move that complicates President Trump's public support for Hegseth.
By Mia Bennett ·
The House is set to return to Washington on Monday, bringing with it an immediate confrontation between the defense department and a faction of Congress. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., announced on Wednesday that he will reintroduce articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth upon the chamber's reconvening. The timing places the vote on the floor during a week defined by midterm results and internal party tension.
Hegseth responded on Thursday via a social media video, dismissing the effort as a political maneuver by a defeated lawmaker. He described Massie and his Democratic allies as using "sham articles of impeachment" similar to those previously attempted against President Trump. The secretary argued that the process is driven by the "politics of personal destruction" and asserted that the strategy had not succeeded in previous attempts.
The push for impeachment is fueled by the ongoing Iran war and recent losses for Republicans in midterm elections. Massie, who lost his GOP primary after challenging Trump, urged the president on Thursday to replace Hegseth while the GOP still holds a Senate majority. Massie characterized his resolution as a "much gentler version" of the proceedings he expects once Democrats control Congress, where he anticipates hearings and trials.
Massie stated on Wednesday that he will not reintroduce the articles if Hegseth resigns. He noted in a post on X that his current resolution serves as a preliminary step before more rigorous Democratic-led processes. The representative’s stance reflects a strategy to force the issue before the House leadership changes hands.
President Trump publicly maintained his support for the defense secretary on Wednesday, stating he does not plan to replace Hegseth. On Thursday, the president said Hegseth has done a "fantastic job" and acknowledged that the secretary likely faces opposition due to actions such as purging military leadership. However, two people familiar with discussions told NBC News this week that Trump has informed some allies he is considering who should succeed Hegseth.
In September, Massie attempted to force an impeachment vote, but House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., sent the House home early, stalling the effort. For the measure to pass, Massie must secure support from several Republicans in addition to all Democrats. The House has impeached only two Cabinet officials in history: Alejandro Mayorkas in a partisan vote and William Belknap in the 1870s. No Cabinet member has ever been convicted by the Senate.
