US congressman files resolution to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth

What the report says

US Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky who is leaving office, has introduced a resolution to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to Al Jazeera. Massie said in the House on Monday that Hegseth had carried out unlawful orders and threatened the Constitution, and he refiled eight articles of impeachment that he first brought in September. The effort comes as Congress reconvenes after the midterm elections and as Democrats prepare to take control of the House, where party leaders have pledged investigations into the Trump administration.

The resolution accuses Hegseth of several serious violations tied to US military actions, including the war on Iran, strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, and operations in Yemen. Massie’s filing alleges that Hegseth supported war-making without congressional authorisation, encouraged a culture that disregarded rules of engagement, and was connected to actions that caused civilian deaths. He also accused the Pentagon chief of restricting media access and other conduct he says amounted to unlawful behavior.

Hegseth rejected the criticism and said he welcomes a congressional debate over his actions. House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the move, saying cabinet secretaries should not be impeached for political reasons. The measure faces long odds in the current Republican-led Congress, but Al Jazeera notes that Democratic control beginning in January could increase pressure for hearings and votes, even if removal remains unlikely without a two-thirds Senate majority.