Republican moves to impeach U.S. defense chief over Iran war
Trump defended Hegseth on Monday, saying the defense secretary had done a ‘good job’ and ‘won’ wars in Venezuela and Iran, despite the continuing conflict with Tehran.
US Rep. Thomas Massie discusses impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outside the Capitol in Washington.
Photograph courtesy of Andrew Harnik/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
WASHINGTON (AFP) — A Republican lawmaker on Monday introduced eight articles of impeachment against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the war in Iran, setting up a possible congressional vote following President Donald Trump’s party’s defeat in the midterm elections.
Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky accused Hegseth of waging war without congressional authorization and abusing his authority as Pentagon chief.
The Republican-controlled House of Representatives could vote as early as Wednesday, with some Republicans considering joining Democrats in supporting the impeachment effort.
Trump defended Hegseth on Monday, saying the defense secretary had done a “good job” and “won” wars in Venezuela and Iran, despite the continuing conflict with Tehran.
Asked whether he would support Hegseth if impeached, Trump told reporters: “Yeah, I’ll stand by him.”
The impeachment push gained momentum after Democrats swept both chambers of Congress in last week’s midterm elections amid public dissatisfaction with the Iran war and rising fuel prices.
Republicans will retain control of Congress until newly elected lawmakers take office on 3 January.
War powers questioned
Massie, a Trump critic who lost his primary to a candidate endorsed by the president, invoked a special procedure requiring the House to consider his resolution within two legislative days.
He accused Hegseth of having “knowingly executed and implemented unlawful orders” by conducting military operations without congressional approval.
The impeachment articles allege violations of the 1973 War Powers Resolution, along with misconduct involving civilian casualties and military operations in Yemen and Venezuela.
The Pentagon has rejected the allegations.