Thomas Massie Moves to Impeach Pete Hegseth Over Iran War as Trump Refuses to Fire Defense Secretary

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky has intensified his effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, announcing plans to force a new vote in the U.S. House of Representatives as controversy surrounding the Trump administration's military operations in Iran continues to escalate.

Massie originally introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on September 15, 2026, accusing the Pentagon chief of exceeding his authority, violating congressional war powers and participating in military actions that the congressman contends were unlawful. The resolution stalled when House Republican leadership canceled scheduled votes ahead of the midterm elections. 

Now, following significant Republican losses in the November 3 midterm elections, Massie has renewed his campaign to remove Hegseth from office, warning that the defense secretary's resignation is the only development that would stop him from reintroducing the impeachment resolution.

The Kentucky Republican told ABC News that he intends to reintroduce the resolution Monday or Tuesday, November 9 or 10, and believes enough Republicans may support the effort to advance it through the House.

At the center of Massie's impeachment effort are accusations involving the administration's military campaign against Iran, the constitutional limits of executive power and the Pentagon's handling of military operations abroad.

Massie argues that Hegseth violated provisions of the War Powers Resolution of 1973 by continuing hostilities in Iran without the necessary congressional authorization.

In announcing his original resolution, Massie stated:

 “By engaging in hostilities in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional authorization, Secretary Hegseth is breaking the law and must be held accountable.”

The congressman also accused Hegseth of abusing the powers of his office, participating in unauthorized military actions against foreign leaders and retaliating against critics exercising their First Amendment rights. These are allegations advanced by Massie, not findings of guilt by a court or Congress.Massie's sweeping 34-page resolution argues that Hegseth's conduct is incompatible with the responsibilities entrusted to the nation's top defense official.

Trump Refuses to Abandon Hegseth

Despite the escalating impeachment threat, President Donald Trump has publicly rejected suggestions that he intends to remove Hegseth.

Speaking to ABC News on Thursday, November 5, Trump declared:

 “I have every intention to keep him.”

Trump also acknowledged receiving complaints about the defense secretary but questioned the criticism and characterized Massie as a destructive political figure.

The president's comments establish a potential confrontation between the White House and lawmakers within his own party over whether Hegseth should continue leading the Pentagon.

The Pentagon has similarly defended Hegseth. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the defense secretary would not be deterred by politically motivated investigations, rejecting suggestions of wrongdoing.

Republican Midterm Losses Intensify the Controversy

Massie's renewed impeachment effort comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the Republican Party.

Following Tuesday's midterm elections, some Republican officials and strategists have begun blaming the administration's handling of the Iran war for contributing to the party's electoral losses.

According to CNN, several Republicans have privately expressed frustration over Hegseth's influence on the administration's military strategy, including concerns about the lack of a clear exit strategy.

However, President Trump remains commander-in-chief and ultimately bears responsibility for decisions to authorize American military operations.

The political fallout could create an unusual situation in which members of the president's own party help advance impeachment proceedings against a Cabinet official before newly elected Democratic lawmakers take office in January.

Could Pete Hegseth Actually Be Removed From Office?

Although Massie has already introduced articles of impeachment, the House has not voted to impeach Hegseth.

Under the Constitution, impeachment requires a simple majority vote in the House of Representatives. Removal from office would require a subsequent trial in the Senate and a two-thirds vote of senators present to convict.

Massie's use of a privileged impeachment resolution could force House lawmakers to address the matter on an accelerated timetable.

CNN reported November 5 that multiple Republican sources expect the impeachment effort to attract enough support to pass the House. That assessment remains a prediction by those sources, not a confirmed vote count.

Even if the House approves the articles, a Senate conviction would remain a separate constitutional hurdle.

What Happens Next?

The next major development is expected when Congress reconvenes during the week of November 9.

Massie has indicated that he intends to revive the impeachment resolution unless Hegseth resigns. The White House, meanwhile, has made clear that Trump currently intends to keep his defense secretary in office.

For the Trump administration, the controversy raises consequential questions about presidential war powers, congressional oversight and the accountability of senior defense officials.

For Republicans in Congress, it creates a significant political test as they confront the fallout from the midterm elections.

Hip Hop Enquirer will continue monitoring the impeachment proceedings, including whether Massie formally reintroduces the resolution, how House leadership responds and whether a vote is scheduled.