US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may face impeachment this week in the House of Representatives for charges related to abusing his power, specifically for engaging in war with Iran without an immediate threat or congressional approval. Hegseth denies any wrongdoing, and President Trump has expressed his support for him.
The impeachment process in the House began when Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth. The US Constitution allows for impeachable offenses like “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors,” though “high crimes and misdemeanors” lacks a specific definition. A simple majority of the 435 House members is needed to impeach.
House Republican leaders are expected to try to block the impeachment vote using procedural tactics, which would require a simple majority to pass. Republicans have a slim majority in the House, with 218 seats compared to 214 for Democrats. If these tactics fail, the House may vote on the impeachment.
If the House impeaches Hegseth, it does not remove him from office; it is similar to an indictment in a legal case. The next stage would involve the Senate either dismissing the charges or holding a trial to determine Hegseth’s guilt. A guilty verdict in the Senate would need a two-thirds majority to remove him.
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While there is likely support from Democrats for impeachment in the House, the Senate, which Republicans currently control, may be less inclined to convict. Massie’s impeachment resolution must be voted on by January 3, 2027, or it will expire. If the House impeaches Hegseth, the Senate could hold a trial when Democrats take over both chambers.
Historically, if successful, Hegseth would be the third cabinet secretary to face impeachment. Previous impeachments include Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Secretary of War William Belknap. Donald Trump was impeached twice but acquitted both times in the Senate.
With information from Reuters
