Massie Seeks Impeachment of Hegseth, Citing Abuse of Power Over Iran

The Kentucky Republican has filed a motion in the House that could come to a vote by Wednesday. Marco Rubio has defended the defense secretary, calling the effort unfair and praising his professionalism

Pete Hegseth is facing an impeachment challenge from within his own party, with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky accusing the defense secretary of abusing the authority of his office, particularly in the handling of the conflict with Iran. The motion filed in the House could bring the issue to a vote as early as Wednesday.

The move has drawn an immediate defense from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who dismissed the initiative as unfair and praised Hegseth’s performance. Speaking to reporters in Paris, where he was attending a meeting of G7 foreign ministers, Rubio voiced support for the Pentagon chief as Massie was filing the motion.

“Hegseth has done an excellent job,” Rubio said. “I work with him, so perhaps I see a side of him that the media doesn’t see and that may also escape other members of Congress.”

Asked specifically about the impeachment effort, Rubio reiterated his opposition, citing his daily dealings with the defense secretary on key issues. “I’ve worked with him every day on many of these matters,” he said. “I’ve seen the work he does and the professionalism he brings to it.”

Massie’s initiative puts Hegseth’s use of the powers attached to his office under congressional scrutiny, with the Iran conflict emerging as a central point of contention. The possible House vote by Wednesday would bring the dispute into the open, setting the Kentucky Republican’s accusations against the defense secretary’s record and the public backing of one of the administration’s most senior officials.

(Photo: © AndKronos)