Pete Hegseth impeachment vote: Why Thomas Massie wants Trump's defence secretary removed

Republican US Representative Thomas Massie has moved to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of abusing his office by ordering hostilities against Iran without congressional approval, according to a Reuters report.

Massie, a Kentucky Republican and outspoken critic of the US war on Iran, filed articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Tuesday. Because he filed the resolution as privileged, the US House must take it up within two legislative days, setting the stage for a possible vote.

The resolution is unlikely to pass, the reported showed, but the move could put some Republicans in a difficult position as lawmakers prepare to leave Washington ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Why does Thomas Massie want Hegseth impeached?

Massie's central accusation is that Hegseth carried out an order for hostilities against Iran without approval from Congress.

The Republican lawmaker has been an outspoken critic of the war on Iran and US aid to Israel. Members of Congress, mostly Democrats, have repeatedly backed resolutions calling on US President Donald Trump to end the conflict unless he secures congressional support, but those efforts have not stopped the hostilities, the report showed.

The Pentagon has defended Hegseth. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said the department remained unified behind the defence secretary's vision and would continue working to put US troops and the country first.

What happens to the impeachment resolution?

Massie's filing as a privileged resolution means the House is required to consider it within two legislative days.

However, the measure faces long odds of passing. The move could nevertheless force House Republicans to take a position on the issue at a politically sensitive time, with lawmakers preparing for the November midterm elections.

Who is Thomas Massie?

Massie represents Kentucky and is not running for reelection. He lost the Republican primary in May to Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL who was backed by Trump and received significant financial support from pro-Israel groups.

Massie had angered Trump by leading a push to release Justice Department files linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

His opposition to the Iran war has also put him at odds with the Trump administration.

What do polls say about the Iran war?

The conflict, which began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, has faced opposition from voters, the report showed.

The war has also disrupted oil shipments and pushed fuel prices close to record highs, putting pressure on US households.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday showed Democrats leading Republicans 44% to 37% in the congressional vote preference ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Trump's popularity has also declined since the war began, it added.