A Republican lawmaker has moved to impeach US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the war in Iran.
The move was made on Monday by Thomas Massie, a congressman from Kentucky.
Massie lost his party's primary election to a candidate backed by President Donald Trump.
He is outgoing, which means his time in Congress is coming to an end.
Impeachment is a formal process. The House of Representatives brings charges against an official.
Then the Senate holds a trial.
Key points
- Massie filed eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Monday.
- The charges focus mainly on the war in Iran, and also mention Yemen and Venezuela.
- The House could vote as early as Wednesday. Removal needs a two-thirds majority in the Senate.
- Trump says he will stand by Hegseth. Hegseth says his team is not worried.
So what exactly is Massie accusing Hegseth of?
Massie says Hegseth waged war in Iran without approval from Congress. He says Hegseth knowingly carried out unlawful orders.
The charges also refer to a 1973 law called the War Powers Resolution.
This law sets limits on when a president can use military force without Congress.
The charges also mention civilian casualties, and US military operations in Yemen and Venezuela.
Even if you are reading from India, this shows how a war abroad can shape politics at home.
Why is Trump backing Hegseth, and what is Hegseth saying?
President Trump has stood by Hegseth. He said Hegseth had done a good job and had "won" wars in Venezuela and Iran.
Trump also called Massie a "stone cold loser."
Hegseth has brushed aside the impeachment push.
He said he is happy to debate the military actions taken by the administration.
Hegseth will hold a news conference on Tuesday. It will be his first in over 180 days.
What happens next if the House votes yes?
Impeachment would not remove Hegseth on its own.
A trial would follow in the Senate, and a two-thirds majority would be needed to convict him.
- 1House brings chargesThe House of Representatives brings charges against an official, such as Hegseth.
- 2Senate holds a trialAfter the House vote, the Senate holds a trial on the charges.
- 3Two-thirds majority neededA two-thirds majority in the Senate is needed to convict the official.
- 4Impeachment alone is not removalImpeachment would not remove Hegseth on its own.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said he is a "hard yes" on impeachment.
Democrats are set to control both the House and the Senate from January 2027.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, had earlier argued against impeaching a Cabinet secretary during ongoing fighting abroad.
Sources
- Mint: ‘Pete Hegseth won two wars’: Trump says as Republican Thomas Massie moves impeachment against Secretary of Defense
- The New Indian Express: Republican lawmaker moves to impeach US Defence Secretary as Hegseth defends Iran war
- Global News: Pete Hegseth hit with impeachment articles from Republican congressman
