Hegseth rejects Massie impeachment effort as House vote nears

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected Representative Thomas Massie’s impeachment effort at a Pentagon briefing Tuesday, calling it a political spectacle and saying the military operations at issue were lawful. The House was scheduled to consider an initial procedural motion on the resolution on November 10, but the reports do not establish the vote’s outcome.

Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth. The articles allege misconduct involving the Iran war, strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels, the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, civilian casualties and actions involving Senator Mark Kelly. Massie’s allegations include that Hegseth conducted military operations without congressional authorization and violated legal requirements. They remain allegations, not findings by a court or Congress.

Hegseth said the operations were ordered by President Donald Trump, notified to Congress and carried out lawfully. He said he was proud to have executed the orders and would do so again. He argued that disputes over military policy should be addressed through legislation and debate, rather than impeachment, and said the...