House Democrats are now contemplating a new effort to impeach Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, following unverified accusations regarding military assistance to Ukraine, as reported by Fox News Digital.
This potential action arises after Rep. Thomas Massie’s impeachment initiative was stalled on Tuesday, with his resolution redirected to the Judiciary Committee, thus blocking a timely vote.
With Democrats set to regain control of Congress in January, they will have the capability to instigate inquiries and potentially bring further charges against the Pentagon chief associated with President Donald Trump.
Rep. Massie from Kentucky admitted he could not corroborate claims that Hegseth had improperly withheld military support for Ukraine.
“I heard that as one of the complaints that wasn’t in my impeachment resolution,” Massie acknowledged.
Rep. Adelita Grijalva of Arizona expressed anticipation for congressional oversight committees to convene hearings focused on Hegseth’s dealings with Ukraine funding.
Massie suggested that these investigations might pave the way for a new impeachment drive, potentially incorporating elements from his resolution along with fresh accusations.
“I believe [Democrats] may use some of the same articles of impeachment when they’re in the majority,” Massie stated. “I also believe there are gonna be some other articles of impeachment based on hearings and committees.”
Zach Smith, a legal expert at the Heritage Foundation, highlighted that such talks of impeachment could hinder congressional functions and the administration, while unlikely to achieve Hegseth’s removal.
Smith described the pursuit of impeachment and potential prosecution as an “unfortunate waste of time” due to the high bar for conviction in the Senate.
For impeachment to succeed, a simple majority is needed in the House. However, removing an official necessitates a two-thirds majority in the Senate.
Smith pointed out that the impeachment process might serve a different political purpose: discouraging conservatives from taking roles in future Republican administrations.
He also noted that engaging in such battles would detract Congress from focusing on pressing issues affecting American citizens, such as the rising cost of living.
“This means that the House and the Senate will have to take time away from the legislative activities they should be focusing on,” Smith remarked.
Massie’s impeachment proposal encompassed allegations surrounding military actions against Iran and illicit drug trafficking without congressional consent.
While Congress holds the constitutional authority to declare war, the extent of presidential powers to engage hostilities unilaterally remains a contested legal issue.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for Hegseth’s impeachment and urged for a Senate trial should the House proceed.
Massie expressed hope that a Democratic-controlled Senate would conduct a trial if the House moves forward with the impeachment.
He conceded that another impeachment effort might be largely symbolic without a Senate conviction but argued it could still exert pressure on Hegseth to resign.
“So there’s still a reason to proceed,” Massie declared.
