Hegseth faces imminent House vote after midterm losses

One Kentucky Republican intends to bring an impeachment vote to the House floor as early as next week. Representative Thomas Massie told Bloomberg News he will “definitely” reintroduce articles of impeachment targeting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth when lawmakers return from their midterm recess. The timing coincides with the immediate aftermath of a midterm election in which the Iran war, a conflict Hegseth championed, contributed to Republicans losing control of Congress.

Hegseth’s position has become increasingly precarious since Trump nominated him. A former National Guardsman and Fox News host, Hegseth was narrowly confirmed to the role. Lawmakers from both parties have long questioned his qualifications to lead the Department of Defense. His status as the primary cabinet member responsible for the Iran conflict has exposed him to political pressure, particularly after the war proved unpopular with voters. During combative hearings throughout the conflict, Hegseth’s relationship with Congress deteriorated. He faced accusations that he refused to share information with oversight committees, including specific data on the costs of the war.

The political landscape shifted sharply on Wednesday and Thursday. Vice President JD Vance blamed the Republican midterm defeat squarely on the conflict. In a post on X, Vance stated, “The reason we lost is the war.” He added that if one believes losing the Senate for the next six years was worth it, they are welcome to argue that point. President Trump, speaking to reporters on Thursday, defended Hegseth, saying he had done a “fantastic job.” Trump suggested that Hegseth likely faces opposition due to his crackdown on Pentagon diversity initiatives.

Hegseth responded to the growing pressure with a six-minute video posted on X on Thursday. In the clip, he described Massie as a “disgruntled, defeated congressman” who filed “sham articles of impeachment against yours truly.” Massie, who lost his primary after Trump backed a challenger, suggested on Thursday that Trump fire Hegseth quickly. He argued this would allow the current Republican-controlled Senate to confirm a successor before Democrats take control in January.

Massie noted in a social media post that his resolution is a “much gentler version of what’s coming when Dem’s control Congress.” He predicted that Democrats would hold hearings and trials if they gain the majority. An impeachment by the House would force the Senate to begin a time-consuming trial unless the GOP musters enough votes to set the matter aside. Such a vote would require lawmakers to publicly support the secretary just after voters rebuked the party over the Iran war.

Massie’s bid is expected to receive widespread Democratic support. It may also secure enough Republican votes to pass, particularly because Republicans who lost their seats this week may have no incentive to return to Washington during the lame duck session. This dynamic could widen the margin of members supporting impeachment. Trump has insisted he has no plans to oust Hegseth, maintaining that the secretary has done a “good job.”

The next step is procedural. The House is scheduled to reconvene next week. Massie will move to reintroduce the articles of impeachment at that time. The outcome of that vote will determine whether the Senate must immediately convene for a trial or if the GOP can vote to dismiss the charges.