(Adnkronos) – He has “abused” his powers and “knowingly executed and implemented illegal orders”. With these accusations, Kentucky Republican Congressman Thomas Massie yesterday presented articles of impeachment against Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to the House. According to Massie, the Trump administration launched the war against Iran without congressional authorization and continued military operations despite legislators’ request to end hostilities.
The vote in the House is expected by tomorrow evening, unless the chamber decides to refer the resolution to the Judiciary Committee or table it. To impeach Hegseth, it is sufficient for the House to approve at least one of the articles by a simple majority. Democratic leadership supports the initiative, and if all Democrats vote in favor, a few Republican defections would be enough. If approved, the articles would pass to the Senate, although House Speaker Mike Johnson could delay their transmission until the new Congress convenes in January. In the Senate, to convict and remove Hegseth, two-thirds of the senators present would be needed, 67 if all 100 voted. The threshold appears difficult to reach with the current Republican majority and would require Republican votes even in January, when Democrats will take control of the chamber.
“Pete Hegseth should be praised, not impeached,” Trump thundered on Truth Social, urging Congress to side with the Pentagon chief. The president claimed records in military recruitment and “two victories” in Venezuela and Iran, and called Massie “a total loser”.
