Massie files privileged impeachment articles against Hegseth over Iran actions
17 sourcesUpdated Sep 16, 2026
From the House floor on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, Rep. Thomas Massie introduced eight privileged articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and posted the 34-page resolution online. He said Hegseth broke the law by waging hostilities in Iran more than 90 days without congressional authorization. The war is in its seventh month; the Pentagon put its cost above $42 billion last month, up $4.5 billion from the prior public estimate. The articles also allege retaliation against Sen. Mark Kelly over constitutionally protected speech and an unauthorized Venezuela operation that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Massie told reporters he did not inform Republican leaders beforehand. Privilege can require a House vote within two legislative days as the chamber prepares to adjourn for fall recess before the November midterms. Democrats filed a six-article effort in April. What is contested: Massie says Hegseth ignored war-powers resolutions, kidnapped foreign leaders, and intimidated critics, and that Congress must not turn a blind eye. Attorney General Todd Blanche said at a White House briefing that Hegseth is doing a phenomenal job, follows the law, and is not doing anything wrong. Sen. Thom Tillis urged Trump to replace Hegseth, calling management inept after Army Secretary Dan Driscoll stepped down as one of at least 20 leaders ousted or resigned; Trump has said Hegseth is doing a fantastic job.
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Hegseth was handling a real threat and Massie filing impeachment on his way out just adds pointless drama inside the party.
Massie is doing the right thing by forcing a vote on whether the strikes in Iran broke the War Powers rules.
