Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has dodged an impeachment filed against him by Republican Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie after the still-Republican-dominated House voted against unseating him.
The vote against impeaching Hegseth was 211 to 204, with 204 members saying the embattled secretary of war should be removed. Massie was the only Republican who voted with Democrats in favor of the articles of impeachment.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth tours several defense innovation companies in Costa Mesa, Calif., Dec. 5, 2025. (DoW photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Madelyn Keech)
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine and Secretary of Department of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee in Washington D.C., July 21, 2026. (DoW photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Carson Croom)
‘A Threat to the Constitution’
The articles of impeachment reintroduced against Hegseth by Massie allege that the secretary’s actions violated federal law.
Among the accusations is the claim that Hegseth did not seek the appropriate congressional approval. He accused Hegseth of acting “in a manner contrary to his trust as secretary of defense.” Massie further argued that Hegseth has acted “in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law,” adding that allowing the latter to hold the secretary of war position threatened the US Constitution.
Massie also alleged that the war in Iran was “illegal,” given that Congress had not issued a declaration of war or a statutory authorization for heightened military participation in the conflict in the Middle East. And given that there is no imminent threat against the United States, much less an attack against it, “the war was unlawful from the start.”
Congress’ last formal declaration of war was during World War II.
A Narrow Escape
The vote on Hegseth’s removal from President Donald Trump’s cabinet, however, could easily have gone a different way, owing to several absences during voting.
Seven GOP members and 11 Democrats were not present for the vote.
One of the representatives who was unable to vote, New Mexico Democrat Melanie Stansbury, said that she was held up by a traffic incident and a police escort at the Capitol.
She said she would have voted “No” on the Republican-led motion to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Hegseth, stating “Pete Hegseth must be impeached now.” Another House Democrat, Lou Correa of California, was unable to attend because he had to undergo a medical procedure.
The Story Will Likely Be Different Next Year
While Hegseth can breathe a little easier for now, the story will be entirely different once the new Congress starts next year.
Democratic New York Representative and current House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said that Democrats would “run Pete Hegseth out of town” next year once they have the numbers to do so.
“Pete Hegseth has got to go,” Jeffries said in an interview. Jeffries further claimed that Hegseth has abused his position as the “so-called” secretary of war, and that the latter’s decisions with regard to the war in Iran have “skyrocketed prices on the American people and made the country less safe.”
The New York congressman is expected to assume the position of House Speaker in the next Democrat-controlled Congress, which will begin next year, and will also hold the distinction of being the first Black speaker of the House if his colleagues elect him to the post.
If the House puts forward articles of impeachment, the case against Hegseth will be tried in the Senate, which Democrats will also hold next year.
Hegseth Defiant Amidst Criticism
Hegseth has kept a stiff upper lip in the face of the now-scrapped impeachment and other accusations leveled against him.
“It’s a farce, and it’s a stunt, and everybody knows it,” Hegseth said of the attempt to impeach him.
He also claimed that all of the US’ military operations were lawful and above board, and Representative Massie’s — whom he called a “disgruntled and defeated congressman” — articles of impeachment against him were an insult to US service members.
Hegseth said he stood by all his decisions as Secretary of War, adding that he had no regrets. “I would do it again tomorrow,” Hegseth said.
The president has also voiced his support for the secretary, saying that Hegseth gets an “A PLUS PLUS” in terms of job performance, at the same time blasting Massie as a “TOTAL LOSER.” Trump also lauded the non-passage of the impeachment complaint, saying that it was an “EXONERATION of a Great American Patriot.”
About the Author: Tim Ramos
Tim Ramos has written for various publications, corporations, and organizations, covering everything from finance, politics, travel, entertainment, and sports – in Asia and the U.S. for more than 10 years.
