Pete Hegseth impeachment bid launched over Iran war

Kentucky Republican congressman Thomas Massie has launched an impeachment bid against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the war in Iran, introducing eight articles of impeachment that could reach the House floor within days.

The articles accuse Hegseth of illegally waging war without congressional authorization and abusing his powers as Pentagon chief. They also allege misconduct linked to civilian casualties and military operations in Yemen and Venezuela. The Pentagon has rejected the accusations.

The Republican-controlled House could vote as early as Wednesday. Some Republicans have signaled they may join Democrats in supporting the charges, after Democrats won both chambers of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections amid anger over the Iran war and fuel prices.

Impeachment by the House would bring formal charges but would not remove Hegseth from office. Removal would require a Senate trial and conviction by a two-thirds majority of senators present.

Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is expected to become speaker in January, said on ABC News that he was a "hard yes" on the resolution and accused Hegseth of abusing his power. Hegseth called Massie's effort a "sham," and President Donald Trump said last week that he had "every intention" to keep him.