President Trump rallied behind Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday night, urging Congress to reject outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie’s push to impeach him.
Mr. Massie, Kentucky Republican, reintroduced eight articles of impeachment against the Cabinet member, forcing House leaders to act within two legislative days.
Mr. Trump said on social media that Mr. Massie, whom he called a “total loser,” is “trying to Impeach perhaps the most popular and successful military official in the Country.”
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“With recruitment at an ALL-TIME HIGH, from an all-time low under Sleepy Joe Biden, and TWO VICTORIES, Venezuela and Iran, Pete Hegseth should be praised, not Impeached,” the president said. “Congress, stand up for Pete!!!”
Mr. Massie said Mr. Hegseth violated three provisions of the 1973 War Powers Resolution by continuing military operations against Iran without congressional authorization.
The 34-page resolution accuses Mr. Hegseth of “high crimes and misdemeanors.” Three of the eight articles focus on carrying out the war with Iran without a congressional declaration of war, statutory authorization or compliance with the War Powers Resolution.
SEE ALSO: Rep. Massie introduces articles of impeachment against Hegseth over Iran, boat strikes
The remaining articles allege extrajudicial killings in strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, unauthorized military action in Yemen and the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
They also accuse Mr. Hegseth of retaliating against Sen. Mark Kelly, Arizona Democrat, over a video urging service members to refuse illegal orders, and of ignoring laws meant to minimize civilian casualties, citing a strike on an Iranian elementary school.
Because Mr. Massie introduced the measure as a privileged resolution under House rules, Republican leaders must schedule a vote on it, or move to table or refer it to committee, within two legislative days.
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