“IMPEACH HEGSETH!” GOP Lawmaker Plans To Vote Against Trump’s Defense Chief Over Iran War

Hegseth could be facing an impeachment battle just days after the U.S. midterm elections. And this time, the threat isn't coming only from Democrats. A Republican lawmaker is preparing to bring the fight directly to the House floor, putting Donald Trump's defense secretary under growing pressure over the war in Iran. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky is planning to revive his impeachment push against Hegseth in the post-election lame duck session. Massie first introduced eight articles of impeachment in September, accusing the Defense Secretary of serious misconduct, with the central allegations focused on the U.S. war against Iran. At the heart of the dispute is the question of congressional authority. Massie argues that Trump launched military operations against Iran without authorization from Congress, potentially violating the 1973 War Powers Resolution. His impeachment articles also challenge the continuation of hostilities beyond legal limits and accuse Hegseth of defying congressional efforts to end U.S. involvement. And the financial cost of the conflict is adding to the pressure. Pentagon figures provided to Congress put the operational cost of the Iran war at approximately $47.1 billion by mid-October. That is more than 25% higher than the $37.5 billion estimate Hegseth gave in July. Around $29 billion of the total is reportedly tied to replacing ammunition and other weapons already expended. The human cost is also mounting. Official Pentagon figures in October placed U.S. military deaths at between 21 and 23, depending on the reporting date and inclusion of non-hostile deaths, while the number of wounded stood at approximately 865. More than half of those wounded were reportedly recorded after early July. And Massie is not the only Republican questioning Hegseth. Republican Senator Tom Tillis has called his vote to confirm Hegseth the biggest regret of his career. Tillis has also urged that the defense secretary be replaced or resign, raising concerns about his leadership and handling of the Iran war. Massey's earlier impeachment effort did not reach a vote. House Republican leadership delayed the process by adjourning early ahead of the midterm elections. But on Oct. 26, Massie confirmed that he intends to reintroduce the articles and force a vote during the lame duck session, expected in the week of Nov. 9 or shortly afterward, provided Hegseth is still in office. Massey has even suggested that the measure has a better than 50 percent chance of passing. He is counting on near-unanimous Democratic support, along with the possibility of Republican lawmakers joining the effort after the elections. The November 3 midterms could therefore become a major turning point, Democrats have signaled that if they win control of the House, they will aggressively pursue Hegseth's removal. But even if Republicans retain their majority, Massey's privilege resolution could still force a floor vote. And through all of this, Hegseth continues to have one powerful supporter, Donald Trump. The president has repeatedly defended his defense secretary, describing him as a great warrior, saying he is doing a great job and calling him the best at his job in many years. Trump has also dismissed the impeachment threat as terrible. That leaves Hegseth caught between Trump's backing and growing scrutiny from lawmakers, including members of his own party. The fight is no longer just about Hegseth's leadership. It is increasingly about the authority to take the United States to war, the financial burden on taxpayers, and the human cost paid by American service members. Subscribe to One India and never miss an update. Download the One India app now.