U.S. Republican Reintroduces Resolution to Impeach Defense Secretary; Vote Expected This Week

Likely to Pass the House, but Unlikely to Clear the Senate
Trump: "The Man Who Saved the Middle East and Israel"

AP-Yonhap News

A resolution to impeach U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was reintroduced in Congress on the 9th (local time). The fact that the resolution was sponsored by a Republican lawmaker, rather than a Democrat, appears to be deepening divisions within the party over responsibility for the war with Iran.

According to CNN, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie reintroduced a resolution to impeach Hegseth in the House of Representatives that day. He had previously sponsored an impeachment resolution against Hegseth in September, but the Republican leadership recessed the House earlier than scheduled, postponing the vote until November. The Republican leadership must set a date for the vote within the next two days. A vote is expected as early as this week.

The impeachment resolution consists of eight articles. Its main allegations are that Hegseth abused his powers as defense secretary by waging war against Iran without congressional approval and conducting military operations in Yemen and Venezuela.

Before the midterm election results are reflected in the makeup of the U.S. House, Republicans hold 218 seats and Democrats hold 214. However, with members of the Republican Party also citing the war with Iran as a key reason for their expected midterm losses, the prevailing view is that the impeachment resolution against Hegseth could easily pass the House. If all 433 current members of the House vote on the resolution, at least 217 votes—a majority—would be needed for it to pass. If all Democrats vote in favor, just three Republicans would need to join them for the resolution to pass.

There are also concerns within the Republican leadership about the possibility that the impeachment resolution could pass the House. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the move, saying, "It is inappropriate to impeach the defense secretary while military operations are underway in the Middle East."

However, for Hegseth to be removed from office, at least two-thirds of senators present must vote in favor in the Senate. The Senate currently has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats, and two independents who caucus with the Democrats. If all senators are present, 67 votes would be needed for removal. Even if all Democrats and independents vote in favor, at least 20 Republicans would also have to break ranks. As a result, some analysts say it will be difficult to impeach Hegseth before the session beginning next January, when the midterm election results will be reflected in the makeup of Congress.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has defended Hegseth and rejected calls within the party to replace him. Trump said, "The only thing Hegseth has done wrong is win two wars," adding, "I think we saved the Middle East and Israel. It is very difficult to call for the impeachment of someone like that."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.