Democratic lawmakers introduced a resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing allegations of abuse of power and war crimes. The resolution, led by Rep. Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, includes six articles of impeachment. It is unlikely to pass due to the Republican majority in the House.
The impeachment articles contend that Hegseth violated his oath of office and constitutional duties by participating in military actions against Iran without congressional approval, which they argue endangered U.S. service members. Specific accusations include unlawful military operations that allegedly targeted civilian infrastructure, such as a girls’ school in Iran, and actions deemed as violations of the law of armed conflict.
Additional articles claim Hegseth demonstrated gross negligence in handling sensitive military information and obstructed Congress's oversight responsibilities by withholding details about military operations and civilian casualties. Further allegations state that he abused his power to influence military decisions for political purposes, referring to investigations into officials like Senator Mark Kelly for their public statements regarding military conduct.
The resolution concludes with claims that Hegseth’s actions have brought disrepute to the U.S. and its armed forces, undermining public confidence in the Defense Department. This includes criticisms of the U.S. commitment to NATO amid tensions surrounding the Iran conflict.
In response, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended Hegseth’s leadership and labeled the impeachment effort as a publicity stunt by Democratic lawmakers. The Pentagon has similarly dismissed the resolution, framing it as an attempt to distract from military successes achieved under Hegseth's tenure. As the situation unfolds, Democratic calls for broader accountability regarding President Trump’s actions during the Iran conflict remain mixed, with party leaders showing hesitance to pursue impeachment or the 25th Amendment.