Trump’s Pentagon Chief Faces Impeachment Over Iran War Following Midterm Defeat

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie formally introduced eight articles of impeachment against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, Nov. 9, accusing him of illegally waging war against Iran and carrying out unlawful military orders. Reading the resolution on the House floor, the Kentucky Republican accused Hegseth of violating the 1973 War Powers Resolution and abusing his authority as Pentagon chief.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. The resolution, titled “Impeaching Peter Brian Hegseth, Secretary of Defense, for high crimes and misdemeanors,” also identifies him as the “Secretary of War,” a title used by the Trump administration. Massie argued that the Constitution reserves the authority to initiate war to Congress, while the president’s role as commander in chief does not grant unlimited power to launch military operations. His first impeachment article cites Section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution, which identifies three circumstances under which presidential war powers may be exercised: a declaration of war, specific statutory authorization or a national emergency resulting from an attack on the US, its territories or armed forces. Massie accused Hegseth of knowingly carrying out unlawful orders in violation of those requirements. The procedural move could force the Republican-controlled House to consider the resolution by Wednesday, Nov. 11, although party leaders could seek to table it or send it to committee. Other Topics of Interest US Announces $24.4 Billion Contract to Speed Up Missile Production The Pentagon is moving to rebuild depleted missile stocks as Trump considers renewed bombing of Iran after the November elections. Eight impeachment articles target Iran, Venezuela and Yemen The eight charges cover the Iran war, civilian casualties, military strikes against suspected drug traffickers, retaliation against Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and operations in Yemen. Three articles specifically accuse Hegseth of violating congressional war powers in Iran, including continuing hostilities beyond statutory deadlines. Massie also alleges that US strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific resulted in at least 243 deaths. The allegations are detailed in Massie’s official statement. Ukraine aid dispute fuels Republican criticism Republican Congressman Don Bacon said he was weighing the impeachment resolution but had separate concerns about Hegseth’s leadership. Bacon criticized the withholding of congressionally appropriated assistance to Ukraine and the removal or obstruction of promotions involving approximately 80 senior military officers. He said Hegseth’s resignation would be preferable, although he questioned whether Massie’s articles provided sufficient grounds for impeachment. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Hegseth during a visit to Paris. “I think it’s unfair. Look, I think Pete’s done a good job, I really do,” Rubio told reporters, praising his colleague as hardworking and “incredibly smart.” Hegseth has rejected the impeachment effort as politically motivated, while Trump has defended his Pentagon chief. Democrats prepare wider investigations into Trump The impeachment effort comes as Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers of Congress following their Nov. 3 midterm victories. With control of congressional committees starting in January, Democrats will gain authority to subpoena administration officials, demand documents and hold public hearings. Potential investigations include the Trump family’s business and cryptocurrency dealings, government contracts involving Elon Musk, immigration enforcement, federal agency cuts, the handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files and the Iran war. “LAWYER UP,” incoming House Oversight Committee chairman Robert Garcia wrote on X on election night, signaling an aggressive approach to congressional oversight. Democrats could also pursue a third impeachment of Trump, although party leaders have not committed to doing so. The House can impeach a federal official by simple majority, but removal requires a two-thirds vote of senators present. Even with Democrats taking control of the Senate in January, removing Hegseth would require substantial Republican support. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.