Republican congressmen are preparing to push an impeachment motion against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, despite low chances of approval, aiming to pressure President Trump to dismiss Hegseth while Republicans still hold power in Congress.
Foreign news agencies reported on 9 Nov 2026 that Republican Congressman Thomas Massie filed an impeachment motion against U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging constitutional violations for engaging in military actions in Iran without congressional approval for over 90 days.
"By participating in military operations in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional approval, Secretary Hegseth is breaking the law and must be held accountable," Massie said. "I am doing this because it is the right thing to do."
Although the impeachment may not pass Congress since Republicans still hold a majority until January, Massie wants to pressure President Donald Trump to remove and replace Hegseth immediately while Republicans maintain control, before Democrats take over and initiate a more aggressive investigation next year.
"My effort to impeach Secretary Hegseth is a much milder version compared to what will happen once Democrats control the House and Senate next year," Massie emphasized. "President Trump should replace Secretary Hegseth now while he can still secure Senate approval for a successor."
Hegseth said he was "not worried" about the matter and planned to hold a press conference on Tuesday to address the issue.
In addition to the War Powers Resolution allegations, Massie accused Hegseth of intimidating government critics, abducting foreign leaders, and ignoring congressional resolutions.
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries confirmed that Democrats are ready to vote in favor of impeaching Hegseth.
Experts see a possibility that the House may pass the motion since Republicans hold a slim majority (218 to 214) and some Republicans dissatisfied with Hegseth may vote or abstain, but it likely will not pass the Senate where a two-thirds majority is required.
"The chances of Secretary Hegseth surviving until the end of Trump's term are very slim, but it is expected that Trump will dismiss him rather than having him impeached successfully, as Hegseth is a prominent figure who currently draws the spotlight away from President Trump, which does not guarantee job security," said Professor Peter Loge of George Washington University.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:bbc