Republican congressman to force impeachment vote on Defence Secretary Hegseth

What the report says

A Republican congressman is moving to force a House vote on impeaching US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a challenge that BBC World News says is unlikely to succeed because Republicans still control Congress until January. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky accuses Hegseth of violating the US Constitution by engaging in military hostilities in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional authorisation. Massie, who first introduced impeachment articles in September, says the push is intended to pressure President Donald Trump to dismiss Hegseth before Democrats can pursue their own case next year.

Hegseth has dismissed the effort and is due to hold a news conference on Tuesday. The BBC reports that he told reporters he was not worried about the pending resolution. The article says Massie’s resolution is expected to be introduced later on Monday, which would require House Speaker Mike Johnson to set up consideration within two days. The House could vote on the measure directly, send it to committee, or table it.

The report notes that Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has said he would support impeachment, but Massie would still need backing from fellow Republicans for the effort to advance. Impeaching a cabinet secretary is rare in US history, and removal would require approval by both chambers of Congress. The BBC adds that Massie’s criticism of Hegseth also extends beyond Iran to broader objections over administration conduct and compliance with war powers limits.