Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) introduced eight articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Tuesday. The resolution accuses Hegseth of violating congressional war powers and constitutional limits, particularly regarding the U.S. conflict with Iran.

Massie filed the resolution as privileged, requiring the House to take it up within two legislative days. He argued that Hegseth’s alleged violations extend beyond the Iran conflict to include operations in Venezuela, the Caribbean, and Yemen.

Charges Center on Iran and War Powers

The first three articles focus on Iran. Massie accuses Hegseth of waging war without a declaration or statutory authorization. The charges allege that Hegseth continued hostilities after Congress directed the removal of U.S. forces and remained in the conflict beyond the War Powers Resolution’s 60-day deadline and possible 30-day withdrawal period.

Congress has repeatedly challenged the administration’s Iran policy. This follows a House war-powers vote that Massie previously hailed as a message to end the war.

Additional Articles Target Other Operations

Article four accuses Hegseth of disregarding laws intended to minimize civilian casualties. Article five alleges unlawful killings of suspected drug traffickers during maritime operations.

Article six accuses Hegseth of suppressing Sen. Mark Kelly’s (D-Ariz.) speech. Hegseth had moved to censure and reduce Kelly’s retired Navy rank and pension after Kelly urged troops to reject unlawful orders. A federal judge later blocked that action, ruling Kelly’s speech was protected by the First Amendment.

Massie’s seventh article targets Operation Absolute Resolve, the January U.S. mission that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Reuters reported the operation involved more than 150 aircraft and months of planning.

The eighth article alleges Hegseth launched Operation Rough Rider in Yemen without congressional authorization and violated reporting requirements.

Pentagon Rejects Impeachment Effort

Massie stated that Hegseth abused the powers entrusted to him, arguing the conduct warrants removal and disqualification from future office.

The Pentagon rejected the thrust of Massie’s effort. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson told Reuters that the entire department is unified behind the secretary’s vision and will continue working to put warfighters and America first.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that the United States is not ruling out the use of military force in the Strait of Hormuz or anywhere else regarding Iran. The comment signals a firm stance on potential military options in the region.

Strategic Posture

Hegseth made the remarks in reference to ongoing tensions involving Iran. He explicitly noted that the use of force remains an option for the US government. This position applies to the Strait of Hormuz as well as other potential locations.

The statement underscores the administration's willingness to consider all available tools to address security concerns. No specific timeline or immediate action was disclosed alongside the comment.