The US House could vote this week on articles of impeachment against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, amid accusations that he exceeded congressional authority by launching military action against Iran and ordering operations elsewhere.
Republican congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky has reintroduced the resolution, which accuses Mr Hegseth of “high crimes and misdemeanours”. Hegseth has dismissed the articles as a sham.
The charges include three allegations that he illegally waged war against Iran, as well as an accusation that he failed to comply with laws intended to limit civilian casualties. Other allegations concern extrajudicial killings of suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro without congressional authorisation.
Impeachment vote could lead to Senate trial
Only a small number of Republicans would need to join Democrats for impeachment to pass the House and trigger a Senate trial. However, removing Hegseth from the Pentagon would require the support of 67 senators, a difficult prospect even after Democrats take control of the chamber.
Massie has said opposition to the Iran war in Republican-held states could persuade some members of his party to support the measure. He argues that Congress must hold the administration accountable for violating its war powers.
President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the conflict with Iran damaged his party in the midterm elections. He had previously said strikes would be delayed before the vote, while later suggesting military action could continue and hinting at a major move to bring the war to an end.
Trump now says further strikes are unnecessary while negotiations are under way, although he could resume military action if an agreement fails to meet his demands. He has maintained that the war was necessary and said he would take the same action again.
The president is also seeking to present the conflict as a success, saying Iran’s nuclear stockpile has been eliminated. He has indicated that he wants to use the remaining years of his presidency to establish a reputation as a dealmaker and peacemaker.
