Hegseth Impeachment: GOP Targets Defense Chief Over Iran War

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to face impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives this week. The move follows a wave of losses for Republicans in the recent midterm elections. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) is expected to introduce the bipartisan effort within days. House Republican sources told Axios that the primary driver for the action is Hegseth's management of the war in Iran.

Lawmakers argue the timing of the conflict was a political liability. One GOP member told Axios, "Iran, Iran, Iran .. We should have never done the war before the midterms." Another Republican member of Congress said Hegseth has been very damaging to the party's ability to communicate facts to the American people. The specific issue, according to that lawmaker, was explaining why strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and subsequent military actions were necessary.

Recent reports indicate that Republicans who lost their seats view the defense chief as a viable target for blame. Many in the party remain willing to stick with President Donald Trump but show less loyalty to Hegseth. CNN reported that this shift in fealty is influencing the decision-making process among House members. One Trump adviser told Reuters that Hegseth could be on the chopping block. The adviser stated, "Someone is going to get blamed for this, and you know it's not going to be him (Trump)."

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) told CBS News on Tuesday night that a reckoning awaits Hegseth. Tillis said the secretary's strained relationship with lawmakers is undermining the administration's push for a $1.5 trillion defense spending package. While the House may have enough votes to pass that measure, its fate in the Senate remains unclear.

President Trump continues to defend Hegseth. When asked on Wednesday if he was considering replacing the defense chief, Trump said, "No, I think he's doing a very good job." Hegseth responded to the upcoming impeachment push with a five-minute video released on X on Thursday. He described Massie as a disgruntled and defeated congressman working with Democrat allies. Hegseth said, "Just like the president, we don't back down, and that especially applies now."

Hegseth characterized the effort as political theater designed for personal destruction. He argued that opponents use impeachment to destroy rivals because their own policies fail. In response, Massie stated that he would only withdraw the articles if Hegseth resigned. Massie wrote on X that his resolution is a gentler version of the hearings and trials the incoming Democratic majority will likely pursue.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told Axios that Hegseth will not be deterred by politicians seeking partisan points. Parnell said the Department of War has followed the law. He added that the secretary will continue to stand and fight to support the Constitution, lead troops, and protect America.

Massie previously attempted to impeach Hegseth in September for continuing the war without congressional approval. House Republican leadership delayed the floor vote and sent members home early. Speaker Mike Johnson denied that the early adjournment was to avoid the vote, though it presented challenging political optics before the midterms. Massie lost his seat to Ed Gallrein, a MAGA-backed candidate.

During the campaign, Democrats signaled they would pursue Hegseth's removal if they gained control of Congress. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said at an October rally in Pennsylvania, "One of the first things we're going to do in the majority, we're going to run Pete Hegseth out of town."