Republican Thomas Massie moves to iImpeach Pete Hegseth over Iran War: Can he succeed?

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has moved to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of helping wage an illegal war against Iran without approval from Congress.

Massie introduced the articles of impeachment on the House floor Tuesday, putting another member of Donald Trump's administration directly in his sights.

His case revolved around the ongoing war that started with U.S.-Israeli joint airstrike on Islamic Republic of Iran on February 28, 2026.

Massie argues that Congress, not the White House, has the constitutional authority to decide whether the country goes to war.

He accused Hegseth of carrying out and continuing military operations despite Congress never declaring war on Iran or specifically authorising the conflict.

Massie also pointed to the War Powers Resolution, the 1973 law intended to limit a president's ability to keep US forces in hostilities without congressional approval.

“Secretary Hegseth has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law,” Massie said.

His impeachment articles don't stop at Iran.

The Kentucky Republican also accused Hegseth of weakening safeguards designed to protect civilians, restricting journalists at the Pentagon and using military force against suspected drug-smuggling boats without proper legal authority.

The Pentagon defended Hegseth, calling him a “transformative leader” and saying the department remains united behind him.

Could Hegseth actually be impeached?

It looks unlikely because the Republicans control the House and most of them continue to support the Trump administration's handling of Iran. But Massie introduced his resolution as “privileged,” meaning House leaders cannot simply leave it sitting in a committee.

They must deal with it within two legislative days, although Republicans could vote to table it instead.

That means Massie may not succeed in removing Hegseth, but he could force fellow Republicans to publicly choose a side on an increasingly unpopular war just weeks before the November midterm elections.