Hegseth impeachment: What is he accused of, and could he be removed?

What the report says

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing a House impeachment effort led by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who introduced eight articles accusing him of unlawful military action and other constitutional violations. According to Al Jazeera, the resolution centers on US operations involving Iran, Venezuela and Yemen, along with Hegseth’s response to criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Massie says Hegseth carried out orders that exceeded presidential and congressional authority and failed to protect civilians.

The articles, filed on Monday, focus mainly on war powers. Four relate to Iran, two to Venezuela and Caribbean boat strikes, one to the Yemen air campaign, and one to Hegseth’s actions toward Senator Mark Kelly after Kelly and other Democrats told troops they could refuse illegal orders. The complaint argues that Hegseth disregarded Congress, continued military action without proper authorization, and oversaw strikes that caused civilian deaths. Al Jazeera also reported that the allegations include the claim that he fostered a culture hostile to civilian protection.

Hegseth has rejected the effort as political theater and defended the operations as lawful military actions. President Donald Trump has backed him. The House could vote soon if the resolution advances, but removal would require a two-thirds Senate majority, which makes conviction unlikely even if the House impeaches him. The case highlights a broader clash over war powers and the limits of executive military authority in Washington.