Thomas Massie Files Impeachment Articles Against Defense Secretary Hegseth

Massie, a Republican representing Kentucky, outlined eight distinct articles of impeachment. Central to the filing is the assertion that the war with Iran, initiated in February, lacks any congressional authorization. Massie argues this bypasses the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which mandates a formal declaration of war or specific statutory approval before military engagement.

Beyond systemic constitutional concerns, the filing details specific instances of alleged misconduct. One article links Hegseth to the bombing of the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran, an attack that reportedly killed over 150 schoolchildren and their teachers. Massie contends that Hegseth dismantled critical rules of engagement, intentionally degrading legal-review systems to facilitate these operations. Furthermore, the defense secretary faces accusations of conducting an extrajudicial campaign against vessels in international waters, resulting in at least 225 deaths. Massie characterized these actions as Hegseth assuming the role of "judge, jury, and executioner."

The scope of the impeachment effort extends to additional charges, including the alleged kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and attempts to suppress free speech by threatening to court-martial Senator Mark Kelly. Massie asserts that these actions represent a fundamental departure from the rule of law and the core legal traditions of the United States.