Pete Hegseth impeachment vote update: Why does Thomas Massie want Trump's Defense Secretary removed?

Pete Hegseth is facing a new impeachment push from within the Republican Party. Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie has accused the Defense Secretary of going beyond his legal powers, putting the Iran war at the center of the fight.

Pete Hegseth impeachment vote update (REUTERS)Why Massie filed the impeachmentMassie's 34-page resolution says Hegseth broke the War Powers Resolution through the ongoing US military campaign against Iran. As per Newsweek, Massie argues Hegseth took part in military operations without the congressional approval required by law and the Constitution.

On the House floor, Massie said, “Peter Brian Hegseth warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office.”

As per Reuters, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson defended Hegseth in an emailed statement. He said, "The entire Department is unified behind the Secretary's vision and will continue working to put our warfighters and America first."

According to Newsweek, Wilson also said, “Secretary Hegseth has been a transformative leader for the Department of War. Standards and merit are back, our arsenal is stronger than ever before, and morale and recruitment across every service are at all-time highs. Secretary Hegseth has slashed bureaucracy, unleashed innovation, a`1nd delivered for our warfighters every step of the way.”

Wilson further said, “By every measurable metric, the Department of War is better under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth's leadership than before.”

According to Reuters, Massie filed the impeachment resolution as privileged, which means the House must take it up within two legislative days.

As per Reuters, the impeachment move could put some Republicans in a difficult position as they prepare to leave Washington ahead of the November midterm elections.

Polls show that the Iran war, which began with attacks by US and Israeli forces on February 28, is unpopular with voters.

Ipsos poll released Monday showed Democrats leading Republicans 44% to 37% in congressional vote preference.

Khushi Arora is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, where she writes for the US Desk, covering everything happening in the United States, while maintaining quality and delivering impactful stories across all beats. She previously worked at Zee News for over a year where she explored multiple beats including News Desk, Education and Lifestyle. With a background in English Literature, Khushi blends sharp research with thoughtful storytelling, shaping stories that go beyond headlines and bring clarity and credibility to every piece she writes. Beyond the newsroom, she enjoys reading, watching cinema and loves having long conversations about books, films and everything in between.Read More