House may vote on Defense Secretary Hegseth impeachment next week

U.S. lawmakers in Washington are preparing to vote on the impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as soon as next week, according to multiple news outlets including the San Diego Union-Tribune and Republican Herald. The move is driven by Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, who plans to reintroduce articles of impeachment when Congress returns.

Massie's impeachment effort centers on Hegseth's role in the Iran war, which he supported without congressional approval. This conflict contributed to Republicans losing control of Congress in the recent midterm elections. Massie's bid is expected to receive widespread Democratic support and possibly some Republican backing, increasing its chances of passing in the House.

President Donald Trump has publicly supported Hegseth, praising his performance and attributing opposition to his crackdown on Pentagon diversity initiatives. Hegseth himself posted a video defending his tenure and dismissing the impeachment articles as "sham."

Massie, who lost his primary after Trump endorsed a challenger, suggested that Trump should quickly fire Hegseth so that the Republican-controlled Senate can confirm a successor before Democrats take control in January. If the House impeaches Hegseth, the Senate would be required to hold a trial unless it votes to dismiss the case.

The impeachment vote would put lawmakers on record regarding their support for Hegseth shortly after voters expressed dissatisfaction with the Iran war. Some Republicans who lost their seats may not return for the lame duck session, potentially increasing the margin for impeachment support.