House Faces Impeachment Vote Against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Next Week

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces a bipartisan impeachment vote scheduled in the House of Representatives next week, following the introduction of articles of impeachment by Representative Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky.

Massie announced plans to bring the resolution charging Hegseth with high crimes and misdemeanors to the floor on Monday or Tuesday, stating that congressional support for Hegseth's removal has expanded since the midterm elections. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer declined to endorse Hegseth on Saturday, stating that lawmakers have extensive questions regarding the defense secretary's conduct.

Democratic leaders, who secured majorities in the House and Senate during the recent elections, signaled intentions to pursue Hegseth's removal. Representative James Clyburn, Democrat of South Carolina, called for Hegseth's impeachment, citing the removal of women and African Americans from senior military leadership posts. Retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina also criticized Hegseth publicly, citing the dismissal of top military generals, administrative competence, and previous disclosures of war plans to media personnel.

Hegseth published a video statement on Thursday defending his administration record and dismissing impeachment efforts. President Donald Trump told reporters he maintains confidence in Hegseth and intends to keep him in the cabinet. Behind the scenes, Pentagon officials have begun discussing potential successors, floating names including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and United States Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz.

The appointment of Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff to replace Susie Wiles has provided Hegseth temporary administrative backing, though legislators anticipate steep resistance to forthcoming Pentagon defense spending bills.