Hegseth Faces Removal Vote Nov. 9 Amid Midterm Race

Rep. Thomas Massie has filed articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, setting the stage for a House vote on the secretary's removal on Nov. 9. That date falls the day after the US midterm elections, a timing Massie says will force the issue before the legislative schedule resets.

The filing comes as Democrats prepare to potentially launch their own impeachment bid if they secure a majority in the upcoming elections. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated this goal during a recent rally in Pennsylvania. He stated that if his party wins the majority, one of their first actions will be to remove Hegseth from office.

Criticism of the defense secretary extends beyond party lines. Massie, a Republican and vocal critic of the recent conflict with Iran, accused Hegseth of abusing his office. Specifically, Massie argued that Hegseth executed an order for hostilities against Iran without obtaining approval from Congress. Massie intends to use the Nov. 9 return to session to trigger the procedural vote.

Democratic leaders have voiced strong opposition to Hegseth's tenure. Rep. Pramila Jayapal described the secretary as incompetent and corrupt during a recent interview. Rep. Jared Huffman used more pointed language, calling Hegseth an unhinged fanatic who warrants impeachment and removal from office.

The political maneuvering occurs as Hegseth's recent overseas activities draw scrutiny. On Monday, he held a covert meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Israel's Ovda air base. The meeting took place days before Israel's general election. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz attended the discussion, which focused primarily on Iran.

Hegseth confirmed the meeting took place but declined to provide details on the conversation. According to reports, senior Israeli officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, were not invited to the session for reasons of confidentiality. The timing of the visit, just before the Israeli vote, has added a layer of diplomatic complexity to the domestic fight over Hegseth's future.