Rep. Massie files eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Hegseth
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday. Because the measure is privileged, the House must act on it within two legislative days. Hegseth has called it a "sham".
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky on Monday, 9 November 2026, introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and read them from the House floor, according to CNBC, NPR and NBC News.
The articles allege that Hegseth waged war on Iran in violation of the War Powers Resolution (three articles), ignored rules meant to limit civilian casualties, oversaw "extrajudicial killings" in strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, and sought to punish Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., over a video telling troops they may refuse illegal orders. NPR and PolitiFact add charges over the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and the war in Yemen. These are Massie’s allegations, not findings.
Massie filed the resolution as privileged, so House leaders must act on it, table it or refer it to committee within two legislative days; a vote is expected by about 11 November, per NPR and PolitiFact. Republicans could move to kill it with a simple majority. CNBC reported that GOP leaders had not said how they would proceed. Massie first introduced articles in September; he lost his May primary and is leaving Congress at year’s end, according to CNBC and NBC.
President Donald Trump said on Monday he would stand by Hegseth even if he is impeached: "He’s done a very good job," CNBC quoted him as saying. Hegseth has rejected the push, calling the articles a "sham", Newsweek reported. If the House approved them by simple majority, the Senate would decide on conviction.