Berk Kutay Gokmen
15 September 2026•Update: 15 September 2026
US Rep. Thomas Massie introduced a resolution on Tuesday seeking to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of defying Congress and unlawfully continuing military operations in Iran.
The resolution follows repeated House attempts to restrict the administration’s military campaign in Iran. Lawmakers approved war powers resolutions in June and July calling on the president to end US hostilities with Tehran.
Massie’s resolution alleges that Hegseth followed orders to continue operations despite Congress’ constitutional authority over war and its votes to end the conflict.
He said Hegseth’s actions "frustrated Congress's ability to exercise its most solemn constitutional responsibility" and permitted an "unlawful war" to continue.
"In all of this, Secretary Hegseth has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as Secretary of Defense," Massie said on the House floor.
The eight-article resolution also accuses Hegseth of unauthorized military actions in Venezuela and Yemen, including an alleged operation to capture then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
House Democrats earlier introduced six impeachment articles against Hegseth in April, including allegations involving the Iran war.
The House must consider Massie’s resolution within two legislative days, though GOP leaders could instead seek to table it.
At a press conference, Attorney General Todd Blanche defended Hegseth’s conduct, saying the defense chief is “doing a phenomenal job” and follows the law.
Blanche said the Justice Department plays an active role in ensuring that the administration’s actions comply with legal requirements.
He also rejected the characterization of the US military campaign in Iran as a “war,” saying he disagreed with that description and Congress had held votes addressing the issue.
He argued that those votes showed Hegseth and President Donald Trump had not acted unlawfully, and questioned why their actions should form the basis for articles of impeachment.
