GOP Senator Backs Hegseth Impeachment After Confirming Him

Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who voted to confirm Pete Hegseth as Defense secretary in January 2025, has publicly called for Hegseth's removal, stating he "needs to go" whether through impeachment or presidential action. This reversal comes as Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Tuesday, September 16, 2026, alleging high crimes and misdemeanors related to military operations in Iran, Venezuela, and Yemen. Tillis, who is not seeking reelection, told reporters on Thursday, September 18, that he would let the House handle the impeachment process but emphasized his assessment of Hegseth's performance. "We've got a management problem here. He needs to go, whether it's impeachment or the most expedient route just the president to replace him would be great," Tillis said. He cited Hegseth's "inept management" and accused him of creating a leadership vacuum by pushing out experienced military officials. Massie's impeachment articles accuse Hegseth of violating the War Powers Resolution, ignoring laws to limit civilian casualties, and conducting unauthorized lethal operations.