Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie moved to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the House floor. He accused Hegseth of executing unlawful military orders without congressional approval. The impeachment resolution centers on Congress’ constitutional authority to initiate war under the War Powers Resolution of 1973.
In the video, Massie read aloud from the articles of impeachment and called Hegseth the administration’s “Secretary of War.” The resolution accuses Hegseth of “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
Article 1 accuses Hegseth of “waging war in contravention of the War Powers Resolution of 1973.” Massie argued that Congress holds the exclusive power to initiate war under the Constitution. He contrasted that authority with the president’s operational control over wars Congress has lawfully authorized.
The resolution says Hegseth “executed unlawful orders” in violation of Section 2C of the War Powers Resolution. It cites three circumstances allowing a president to introduce U.S. forces into hostilities without prior congressional authorization. Those include a declaration of war, specific statutory authorization, or a national emergency caused by an attack.
Massie also cited Congress’ 1973 override of President Richard Nixon’s veto when enacting the War Powers Resolution. He framed Hegseth’s alleged conduct as a violation of both federal law and his constitutional oath.
Thomas Massie’s Pete Hegseth Impeachment Push Draws Conservative Backlash
The filing divided responses over Massie’s motives, party loyalty, and his argument about congressional war powers.
“This WILL boomerang back on Massie! Guaranteed!” one user wrote. Another said, “@RepThomasMassie is such a sore loser that he’s going scorched Earth on his own party?”
A separate response said, “What a waste of taxpayer funds and an utterly meaningless act.” Another added, “Stunts like this are exactly why voters have had enough of this pretend conservative.”
Others defended Massie’s position. “Massie’s one of the few in that building who actually reads the Constitution before voting,” one user wrote. Another said, “Someone finally had the guts to do this.”
Massie’s resolution accuses Hegseth of violating the War Powers Resolution. Whether the House backs the impeachment effort remains unresolved.
