WASHINGTON — Lame-duck libertarian Rep. Thomas Massie re-filed articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Monday — accusing him of illegally waging the Iran war without congressional authorization.
“I think it’s more likely to pass after the election than before the election,” Massie (R-Ky.) told The Post shortly before taking to the House floor to introduce the measure in one of the first legislative actions since Republicans lost the Nov. 3 congressional elections in a landslide.
“Secretary Hegseth abused the powers of his high office through the following means: Executing an unlawful order to commence hostilities despite the absence of a declaration of war, specific statutory authorization, or a national emergency created by an attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces,” Massie said in his floor speech.
“Hegseth, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law.”
Republicans currently hold a five-seat majority in the House, meaning a handful of additional GOP reps would need to vote in favor of Massie’s measure. A vote is expected as early as Wednesday.
Hegseth has refused to step down and said through a spokesman last week that he intends to serve through the end of Trump’s term — despite large incoming Democratic majorities making another House impeachment vote and Senate trial likely next year.
