US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faces a possible House impeachment vote this week over the Trump administration's war against Iran and other alleged abuses of power, deepening divisions among Republicans following their midterm election losses.
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Monday, accusing him of high crimes and misdemeanours, including launching military action against Iran without congressional approval and violating the free speech rights of Democratic Senator Mark Kelly.
Massie said the House should hold a full debate and vote on the charges, warning that Republican leaders could attempt to block the resolution through procedural manoeuvres.
Congressional sources told Reuters the measure could secure enough support to pass the House, despite Republicans retaining control until Democrats take over on Jan 3.
However, conviction in the Senate appears unlikely, as it requires a two-thirds majority and Republicans currently hold 53 of the chamber's 100 seats.
President Donald Trump strongly defended Hegseth, pointing to US military operations in Iran and Venezuela as evidence of his performance.
"Well, he won two wars. I don't know how you can impeach him," Trump told Reuters on Monday.
He later pledged to stand by Hegseth even if the impeachment measure passed, while dismissing Massie as a "stone-cold loser".
House Speaker Mike Johnson also opposed the move, arguing that pursuing impeachment while US forces were engaged in overseas hostilities would send the wrong message to allies and adversaries.
Hegseth, meanwhile, said he was not concerned about the prospect of impeachment and vowed to fight the charges.
"We're not worried about that," he told reporters on Monday, announcing plans to hold a Pentagon news conference on Tuesday.
The impeachment push comes amid growing Republican divisions over the Iran conflict, which contributed to voter anger and helped Democrats win control of Congress in last week's midterm elections.
Democratic leaders have also pledged to investigate Hegseth over his dismissal of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other senior military officials. - November 10, 2026
