Pete Hegseth said moves to impeach him over alleged abuse of power in the Iran war were 'a farce' that would fail. The US defence secretary was speaking a day after Thomas Massie, Kentucky's Republican representative, introduced eight articles of impeachment against him US politics: latest updates Continue reading...
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lambasted Rep. Thomas Massie 's (R-KY) push to oust him, likening the impeachment effort to Democrats' successful impeachments of President Trump . The big picture: As the possible first impeachment of a Cabinet secretary during the second Trump era and a Democratic-led Congress loom, Hegseth isn't going down without a war of words. This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
Donald Trump defended defense secretary Pete Hegseth, who is facing an impeachment resolution from Republican senator Thomas Massie, saying Hegseth 'won two wars'. The president, who said he had spoken to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, said he was 'amazed' by claims Huang conducted an affair with an alleged Chinese spy, and that the FBI was now looking into the issue Jensen Huang’s image has been shattered. Could he be pushed out at Nvidia? Republican Thomas Massie moves to force vote to impeach Pete Hegseth Continue reading...
Representative Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, set in motion a vote that must be taken within two days.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday over his handling of the Iran war and other alleged misconduct. Why it matters: The coming vote could mark the first impeachment of a Cabinet secretary during the second Trump administration and signal what's to come when Democrats take control of Congress next year. What they're saying: Hegseth "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," Massie said Monday while reading the articles of impeachment on the House floor. "Secretary Hegseth knowingly executed and implemented unlawful orders to initiate war against a foreign nation… thereby substituting unlawful executive action for the constitutional and statutory judgment of Congress." The other side: Hegseth dismissed the impeachment push as politically motivated "noise" Monday, telling reporters that he and his team aren't worried with the push. The Department of Defense didn't immediately respond to Axios' request for comment. Catch up quick: Massie first introduced the articles of impeachment prior to the House going into recess so members could campaign. He reintroduced the resolution Monday, restarting a two-legislative-day clock for House leaders to act. Massie and other members of Congress accuse Hegseth of defying Congress by continuing the unpopular war in Iran despite legislative efforts to shut it down. Three of the eight articles accuse Hegseth of violating congressional war powers in Iran. The others allege misconduct involving civilian casualties, strikes on suspected drug boats, retaliation against Sen. Mark Kelly, the capture of Nicolás Maduro and military operations in Yemen. Hegseth has reportedly been among the most ardent supporters of the war, telling Trump that the conflict would be easy to win. Eight months later, that doesn't appear to be true. Between the lines: Republican
Republicans are returning to work this week, facing the prospect of an especially lame lame-duck session after a bruising midterm election that set off a countdown clock on their control of Congress. Why it matters: Democrats have little incentive to help Republicans advance their agenda before January, while departing GOP lawmakers could complicate matters further by skipping votes or defying party leaders. As a result, most of the items on their to-do list could get kicked to the new Congress. That's aside from a few items House GOP leaders would rather avoid altogether: another Jeffrey Epstein bill and an impeachment vote . Lawmakers also have just over a month before another potential government funding lapse. Driving the news: Rep. Thomas Massie — who GOP voters kicked to the curb in favor of a more Trump-aligned Republican — is pushing another Epstein-related vote, an additional headache for the administration and GOP leaders. He also plans to try to force a vote this week on his impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Republicans lose their House and Senate majorities Jan. 3, ending their ability to set both chambers' legislative agendas. Reality check: Trump still wields the presidential veto power. Rodell Mollineau, a Democratic strategist and former communications director for the late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, said Democrats may postpone some legislative fights until January, when they'll have more negotiating leverage. "I think there's some things that Democrats would be happy to kick down the road," he said. Yes, but: Congress still faces major legislative hurdles. Lawmakers need to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act, potentially setting up a fight over the Iran war as some Republicans grow more willing to criticize the conflict. A bipartisan permitting bill could overhaul how energy and infrastructure projects are approved. Senate Republicans are also racing to confirm more Trump administration officials
An unusual coalition wants to recruit outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie as the Libertarian Party's 2028 presidential nominee, betting that MAGA fractures can turn a third-party candidacy into a spoiler for the Republican nominee. Why it matters: Organizers see a fighter in Massie, a frequent critic of President Trump who pushed hard on releasing the Epstein files and lost a bitter primary rather than quietly walking away. Massie raised almost $10 million in the process and has a large online donor list and base. For his parting act in Congress, Massie is pushing an impeachment vote against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth . Driving the news: For months, Libertarian Party operatives and MAGA defectors have been privately and publicly encouraging Massie to run under a rebranded party. "Libertarian Jesus is Ron Paul, and one of our saints is Thomas Massie," Larry Sharpe, a perennial Libertarian candidate and longtime third-party operative, told Axios. Sharpe has spoken with Massie several times about a potential presidential run. Aside from playing GOP spoiler, organizers believe the Libertarian Party's existing ballot access and infrastructure could help them win 5% of the national vote — which would qualify its next presidential nominee for federal funding. Massie didn't respond to several requests for comment. The big picture: The plan is for libertarians to claim dibs on the "America First" agenda, mainly focusing on anti-war sentiment. Organizers believe they can build consensus among supporters of the MAGA wing that's closer to Tucker Carlson, former Trump official Joe Kent and former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), as well as disillusioned "Make America Healthy Again" activists and populist-inclined voters on the right and left. "A party that would speak clearly about the disaster of the war in Iran, that would speak clearly about the mistake to continue to give military aid, taxpayer-funded military aid, to Israel — that would perk up a lot of ears among young peo
House Republican leaders are bracing for enough GOP defections to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth when the measure comes to a vote this week. Why it matters : Republicans who were defeated in Tuesday's election-night bloodbath have little left to lose and could be more willing to back impeaching Hegseth, whose overall support has eroded since the start of the Iran war. Hegseth doesn't have "a lot of love" on Capitol Hill, retiring Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) told Fox News. Bacon told Axios he's undecided on this week's vote. Driving the news: Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) is planning to force a vote on his resolution to impeach Hegseth for allegedly defying Congress and illegally continuing the U.S. war in Iran. Republican leaders avoided the measure before Election Day after Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) canceled votes and sent lawmakers home early. Johnson has denied his decision to send members home was related to the impeachment vote, but it would have been a politically difficult vote for Republicans just weeks before the midterms. The political calculus has now shifted dramatically since Tuesday, with the GOP's crushing defeat fueling anger within the conference and increasing the number of Republicans willing to back impeachment. The big picture: The blame game is already in full swing among House Republicans, with the Iran war emerging as a top target of their ire. "Iran, Iran, Iran ... We should have never done the war before the midterms," a GOP lawmaker told Axios. Hegseth is the face of the war for many on Capitol Hill, putting him in the crosshairs of frustrated Republicans. Another GOP lawmaker told Axios that Hegseth's tone and rhetoric have been "very damaging to our ability to get the facts out to the American people on why the strikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, and the additional military actions, were necessary." Zoom in: Hegseth is also on "thin ice" with the Trump administration, with some officials pushing for his ouster, Axios' Marc C
President Trump has told advisers that he plans to keep raising money for his political operation — a move aimed at salvaging his clout after the GOP's midterm debacle. Why it matters: Maintaining a political organization — either his existing MAGA Inc. super PAC or one to be created — would give Trump a vehicle to try to influence elections in 2028 and beyond, including the next presidential contest. It also would give Trump a way to pressure GOP lawmakers who consider breaking with him as the unpopular president enters his lame-duck era and Democrats prepare congressional investigations into his administration. Trump's MAGA Inc. enforced party discipline during the 2026 primary campaigns when it helped defeat Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie (R), an outspoken Trump critic. Zoom in: MAGA Inc. has been the centerpiece of Trump's political operation during his second term, raising nearly $450 million since the beginning of 2025. The group received massive checks from cryptocurrency and AI industry donors, along with Republican megadonors such as Elon Musk and Miriam Adelson. Trump has hosted high-dollar fundraising dinners at Mar-a-Lago and his golf club in Sterling, Va., drawing business leaders eager to curry favor with the president. Some donors subsequently benefited from administration decisions. The New York Times reported that a medical products company whose executives and affiliates gave $5 million to MAGA Inc. benefited from an administration decision to delay Medicare reimbursement restrictions, for example. By the numbers: MAGA Inc. spent more than $400 million on the midterms, making it one of the election's biggest spending forces, according to a source familiar with the totals. The massive investment failed to prevent Republicans from losing control of Congress amid voter anger over Trump's war on Iran, high prices and corruption concerns. As of Oct. 14, MAGA Inc. had more than $164 million in the bank, though it spent tens of millions more on TV and digita
Congress returns next week facing a renewed push for transparency over the Jeffrey Epstein files, as a top House Democrat promises new investigations following the party's midterm victories. Why it matters: The Epstein files controversy has been a recurring political issue throughout President Trump's second term and featured prominently in the midterm campaigns . Democrats' incoming House majority could bring fresh scrutiny of his administration's handling of the files. Driving the news: Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) is harnessing that momentum as lawmakers return, ahead of his January departure from Congress . Massie said in a Thursday post that when the House returns, the effort to force a vote on a second Epstein Files Transparency Act would secure the necessary 218 signatures. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) , who has led the bipartisan effort with Massie, announced in September that they had received sufficient signature commitments for the measure — but House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) sent the House home early. What's inside: Massie and Khanna introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act II in July, building on their initial legislation that Trump signed in November of last year after previously working to undercut the effort. The bill would allow state attorneys general, local prosecutors and victims to sue the U.S. attorney general over alleged unlawful withholdings, redactions or failure to produce records. It would also require the attorney general to provide certain unredacted documents to victims upon request. Zoom out: The momentum is unlikely to slow when Democrats take control of Congress in January. With corruption emerging as a top election concern, Democrats ran attack ads accusing the GOP of protecting powerful elites. Candidates from both parties and outside groups aired at least $70 million in TV ads mentioning Epstein, pedophilia and allegations of child sexual abuse between Sept. 1 and Oct. 21, according to AdImpact data reviewed by Axios' Alex Is
It's a de facto motto in the Trump White House: "Somebody's gotta take the fall." Lately, that person looks like Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Why it matters: From the unpopular war in Iran to his bad bipartisan relations with members of Congress, Hegseth's record has made him the most vulnerable member of Trump's Cabinet after Tuesday night's midterm shellacking. "Hegseth is definitely on thin ice," a Trump adviser told Axios. "It doesn't mean the president forces him out. But there are complications." Driving the news: As early as next week, the House could impeach Hegseth for allegedly defying Congress and illegally continuing the U.S. war in Iran. The measure is sponsored by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a vociferous critic of Israel and foreign wars. Zoom in: Iran is at the center of both Hegseth's possible impeachment and Republicans' midterm collapse. Many voters oppose the war and its byproduct: higher gas prices that spiked after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. Before Trump attacked Iran on Feb. 28, Hegseth was the most gung-ho about the conflict, and he gave the rosiest projections about how quickly and easily it would be resolved, according to sources familiar with the discussions. By August, a senior administration official said, U.S. Central Command was reportedly soliciting new approaches to pressure Iran, suggesting that military leaders were still reassessing how to achieve strategic results. CentCom was also asking: "At what point did Hegseth recognize that our original strategy wasn't going to produce the outcome he expected and pitched?" Trump stood by Hegseth on Wednesday, telling reporters that the secretary is "doing a very good job." Between the lines: Trump has been known to praise an embattled Cabinet secretary, only to seek their ouster shortly thereafter. With Hegseth, four factors are weighing on Trump: 1. The impeachment threat. Democrats already have tried to impeach Hegseth, and with their new House majority in January, those effo
Tuesday's election was great for Democrats. It was bad for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and some of the White House's most ambitious national security projects. Why it matters: Surprise wins across the map for Democrats — including in the Deep South — complicate a lot for the Trump administration. Republicans have relied on a simple-majority funding mechanism known as reconciliation to pay for marquee projects like Golden Dome. That option is now a long shot over the next few months, and impossible after that. Outrage over the Iran war, well beyond the half-year mark, is sure to turbocharge a long list of congressional inquiries. And lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Reps. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), have suggested impeaching Hegseth. Follow the money: Defense analysts agree prospects for the administration's full $1.5 trillion defense budget look grim. A Wednesday note from TD Cowen's Washington Research Group warned "Trump 'branded' projects are dead." Golden Dome, Golden Fleet and "other signature efforts," it added, "will be curbed." Meanwhile, Todd Harrison, an American Enterprise Institute defense budget expert, said it's unlikely the lame-duck congressional session will pass reconciliation and instead will keep the defense budget operating under a continuing resolution into next year. "They're all at risk," Harrison said of reconciliation-backed programs. "My base expectation is nothing happens on the defense budget." The other side: The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment. Between the lines: Some of the most powerful Republican lawmakers on defense matters were defeated or are on pace to lose. Sen. Susan Collins, the appropriations chairwoman, lost to Troy Jackson in Maine . Sen. Darline Graham, also on appropriations, lost to Annie Andrews in South Carolina . Rep. Jen Kiggans, a member of the armed services and veterans affairs committees , lost to Elaine Luria in Virginia . And as of Wednesday afternoon, Reps.
