Hegseth to Hold Pentagon Press Conference as Massie Impeachment Resolution Forces House Vote

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Monday he would hold a press conference at the Pentagon on Tuesday to address articles of impeachment introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY). Hegseth stated he was “not worried” about the resolution and described policy disagreements over military operations as disagreements with success.

Massie introduced a 34-page privileged resolution on the House floor Monday containing eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth. Under House rules, the resolution requires leadership to schedule action within two legislative days. The articles allege violations of the War Powers Resolution of 1973 in connection with U.S. operations against Iran, disregard of laws intended to minimize civilian casualties, strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, operations in Yemen, and actions involving Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ).

Hegseth, speaking to reporters after an appearance at the Naval War College, said the department would address the matter at the Tuesday briefing, which would be his first formal Pentagon press conference in more than 180 days. He stated that critics taking issue with operations in Iran, Yemen, or Venezuela were taking issue with the results achieved by U.S. forces. Earlier in the week, Hegseth posted a video calling the impeachment effort “sham” articles advanced by a “disgruntled, defeated congressman” and Democratic allies, comparing it to the two impeachments of President Trump and asserting that the effort would not succeed.

President Trump defended Hegseth in a Truth Social post, stating that Hegseth “won two wars” in Iran and Venezuela and should be praised rather than impeached. Trump described Massie as a “total loser” and urged Congress to support the secretary. Secretary of State Marco Rubio separately called the impeachment push “unfair” and said Hegseth had done a good job.

Massie has said his resolution is a narrower version of proceedings Democrats are expected to pursue after they take control of the House and Senate in January. He has stated that the relevant question is whether impeachable acts occurred, not whether the operations were effective, and that Trump should replace Hegseth while a Republican Senate can still confirm a successor. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has indicated support for the measure. Conviction and removal in the Senate would require a two-thirds majority.

The resolution is the second time Massie has introduced impeachment articles against Hegseth. A similar measure introduced in September did not receive a vote after the House recessed early. Republicans retain control of the House until the new Congress is seated in January. No formal charges have been filed against Hegseth in any court. The House has not yet voted on the resolution.